NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

Whether big or small, civil or religious, transgressions abound in incarnate. But, we tend to forget that what goes around comes every community, in every confession, and in every institution. around. Yet, we make no attempt to stop these wrongdoings, because By viewing others as mere shadows, we become our own worst some of us are slaves to our daily bread and others are slaves enemy. Why then do we fight shadows? to positions, slaves to fear, and slaves to intimidation while the We judge others based on our own model, and see them foolish are slaves to the illusion that they are free! through our own mirrors. These plague-like types of slavery infect our very roots and infect It is high time to stop this masquerade. Let us repent and repeat our stems and lofty branches, devouring us from within. with David: „Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a Unless we change from the inside, nothing on the outside will right spirit within me.‰ (Ps.51:10) ever change. We, as individuals and communities, must be born again to Self-deification is a murderous form of narcissism. What is deserve the Kingdom of Lebanon« this precious spiritual jewel, crueler is the way we judge others and revile them as the devil which we have transformed into a fiery hell.

NDU Spirit: A periodical about campus life at Notre Dame University - Louaize. Telephone: (09) 208994/6 - Telefax: (09) 214205 w:: www.ndu.edu.lb/research/ndupress/spirit

Editor-in-Chief Georges Mghames

English Editor Mario Najm

Arabic Typing Lydia Zgheïb

Photographers A. Bejjani, M. Bou Chebel, N. Nasr

Printing Meouchy & Zakaria

N.B. The opinions expressed in NDU Spirit are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors. Contents

41 Cleaning Up the Dirt: Treating and Landfilling Roy ZINATI 43 A Sense for Recycling in Lebanon 29 FH: NDU Literature Students in Nathalie GHORRA Greece Prof. Naji OUEIJAN 44 FNHS: Nutrition Awareness Cam- paign: "How Healthy Are You?" 30 A Journey to a Sacred Town in Greece Jessy el-HAYEK, Maya ABOUJAOUDE Rita Bou KHALIL 45 Hypertension: The Silent Killer 31 A Week in Heaven on Earth The President’s Dr. Doris JAALOUK Message Stephanie BAROUD 46 Nutrition Fair 2013 31 Excited at The Opportunity Dr. Jacqueline DOUMIT 05 Fr. Walid Moussa Myriam Silonie ILIOVITS 46 Community Nutrition Students Col- 32 FLPS: CSR Begins at Home! laborate with NGOs to Help Raise Prof. Naji OUEIJAN Nutrition Awareness 33 Carlos Edde: "Single Member Elec- 48 NDU Librairies: toral Districts" "Poetry Month" 34 Musa Dagh 51 Pastoral Office: 35 Forgiveness is the Key! Religion at NDU: Education, Challenge and Joy Academic and Student 35 Pentecost Event on Saints and Politics Activities at the FLPS 53 SAO Student Housing: Welcome Home 36 FNAS: 06 NDU Celebrates 26th Founder's Day Training of National Stakeholders on 55 Staff 10 Address of Fr. Walid Moussa the Biosafety Clearing House NDU Job Fai 2013 The Role of NDU in Challenging Times Dr. Elsa SATTOUT 58 Sports Office 13 Dr Robert Fisk: A Dialogue on the 37 Second Year Celebration Event of the NDU Sports Challenge IDB at NDU "Nature of Freedom" 59 NDU Taekwondo Team Ameen RHAYEM, Hiba EID, Natalie TOUMA Dr. Elsa SATTOUT Visits Aphrodite 15 Faces in the Crowd: Class of 2013 39 Regenerative Medicine: the Future of Simon Abou JAOUDE Personalized Medicine 17 LERC 40 Facelift of Dumps: Normandy Dump- Activities and Important Visitors site: Land Reclamation Loudres SLAMEH 24 FAAD: End-of-Year Student Concert Dr. Lola BEYROUTI 27 FE: Uninterrupted Two-Day Engineer- ing Competitions Dr. Ghazi ASMAR NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 57 JUNE 2013

Campus Voices

Shouf Campus 72 AAN The Cypriot Connection Joe CHAMMA Announcements 61 NLC Hosts Lavish Dinner 77 Wedding Announcements 62 NLC Organizes Conference on "Integrating Technology 77 Obituary into Teaching OFFBEAT 77 Notice of Omission 63 NLC Sponsors Tripoli Semi- Marathon 74 Bite-size news from around the world 64 Founders' Day 2013 76 Sons of the Soil: Tony Shalhoub 64 Alumni Gathering 65 NLC Dean's List (Spring 2013) 67 NDU-NLC Organizes "Build- ing Safety in Lebanon" Seminar Opinion and Culture

68 SC Hosts Annual Principals' 78 Euro, Dollar, Yuan Uncertainties Dinner Dr. Louis HOBEIKA 68 Open Doors at SC 80 Autism: Genetic or Environmental? 69 SC Celebrates Founders' Day Patil KALENDERIAN 70 SC: "Celebrating Your Next 82 Women are not "Housewives" Step" Hasmig "Jasmine" BOYADJIAN 71 Nicolas Saadeh Nakhle Gives 84 Advertising: The Use and Abuse of the Talk at SC English Language Mario NAJM

Articles in French

85 Si les Libanais m'étaient Contes Dr. Georges LABAKI Success

To laugh often and much To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends To appreciate beauty To łnd the best in others To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived This is to have succeeded.

by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

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President's Message

Reflecting on a Successful Academic Year

The month of July is upon us once again at Notre Dame doors to students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Laws University-Louaize (NDU), and this month marks three (LL.B.). Other new degree programs (pending final approval) important calendar events: Commencement Season, the end of include Master of Science in Financial Risk Management another Academic Year, and the beginning of a new Summer (FBAE); Master of Science in Actuarial Sciences (FNAS); and Session. Master of Science in Nutrition, Bachelor of Science in Business At face value, the close of this Academic Year may appear Nutrition, and Bachelor of Science in Health Communication similar to previous years; however, this is not the case given that (FNHS). each year records a wealth of unique milestones. On the development front, we have finalized the construction As such, I would like to share here my personal views on the of new buildings and facilities. Following the inauguration of exceptional events that shaped the past Academic Year and on the state-of-the-art theater at NDU — named after His Eminent the progress we continue to make together. Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Many achievements have distinguished this Academic Year— Patriarch of the Maronite Church — the Faculty of Architecture, achievements, which do not include the notable advances we Art and Design (FAAD), moved to its outstanding new building have made in the accreditation process with the New England where our fresh graduates recently exhibited their impressive Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the senior projects. resounding successes of our various activities, celebrations, On the evening of July 1, 2013, NDU inaugurated yet another events, and scientific conferences. landmark structure: the Moussa and Farid Raphael Observatory. In 2013, NDU began with the full implementation of its new Boasting a 60-centimeter telescope, our Observatory is Branding Project, which was launched in 2012. Many of you unmatched in both Lebanon and the Middle East. The may have already noticed the significant change in many aspects addition of this facility will serve in the advancement of our of the visible image of NDU. A professionally staffed Design and faculty members and students, particularly our Astronomy and Brand Guardian Office (DBGO) has been created especially Astrophysics students. for this mission. This Office is entrusted with developing our Furthermore, extensive preparations are underway to construct, identity, safeguarding our core image, and building on our among other projects, a new library and new research facilities, promise to deliver value, as reflected in our Mission Statement. a specialized research medical center and a hospital, and new On another note, from June 20-21, 2013, I participated in a playing fields and amenities to augment our sport facilities. workshop held at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, where In addition, major developments will soon begin across our the new European program “Erasmus for All” was introduced. Regional Campuses: Barsa, Koura, and Deir el-Kamar, Shouf. “Erasmus for All” will be launched in 2014 and “is based on Turning to our Mission, an important message that will guide the premise that investing in education and training is the us on our journey, and which I would like to mention here, is key to unlocking people’s potential, regardless of their age the first encyclical of Pope Francis titled Lumen Fidei (The Light or background. It helps them to increase their personal of Faith), which was published on July 5, 2013, as the fruit of development, gain new skills, and boost their job prospects.” the “Year of Faith” announced by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Faculty members at NDU, who have been active participants Today, higher education faces many challenges the world in previous European programs, are now preparing themselves over, particularly in Lebanon. Opinions vary on how best to for the forthcoming programs. address these challenges. For me, we must maintain deep faith NDU continues to flourish, because we actively seek change and remain committed to our Mission if we are to succeed in on all fronts. overcoming any obstacle strewn along our path. On the academic front, we are preparing to initiate new programs and degrees in Fall 2013. The Faculty of Political Fr. Walid Moussa, O.M.M. Science, Public Administration and Diplomacy (FPSPAD), now President the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLPS), has opened its Notre Dame University-Louaize

5 Academic Affairs

NDU Celebrates 26th Founders’ Day

Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) paused between Thursday, May 9, and Friday, May 10, 2013, to commemo- rate in a series of special events its rich heritage and prom- ising future for FoundersÊ Day 2013. The celebrations at the Main Campus were launched with the annual FoundersÊ Day address delivered by Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU President, titled „The Role of NDU in Chal- lenging Times‰ [reprinted in full in this issue]. Present were: administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, NDU friends, invited guests, and public figures. Following the PresidentÊs address, three documentaries prepared by the Division of Audio Visual Arts at NDU were screened. The themes of these documentaries were in-

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spired from the Mission Statement of NDU - a University Office gathered students and members of the various NDU of the Third Millennium. The footage and voiceovers high- Clubs in the open area to light a candle to commemorate lighted the important role of administrators, faculty, staff, NDUÊs 26th Anniversary. and students in helping the University to continue to grow „Dance Fever‰ was the theme of this yearÊs celebrations. and prosper. Just before the partying began, NDU honored local rally After the screening, Fr. Moussa joined Administrators in champion Mr. Billy Karam, and the Guinness Book of World cutting the celebratory cake. The night ended with the stu- Records holder for the largest collection of model cars. dents of the Music Department delivering an inspiring mu- sical performance. A cocktail followed the performance. Celebrities such as Mr. Tony Baroud, Bruna Tohmé, Ra- The second day of celebrations, May 10, opened with a chelle Asmar, Elie Abi Saleh, and Sandrine Jabra later took special Mass organized by the Pastoral Office in which Fr. turns at hosting the rest of the event. NDU students par- Ziad Antoun, Director of Administration at NDU, was the tied until dawn with the framework of dancing, singing, main celebrant. Following Mass, the Students Activities and engaging in a variety of entertaining activities.

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Founder's Day 2013

Address of Fr. Walid Moussa President of Notre Dame University – Louaize FoundersÊ Day 2013 The Role of NDU in Challenging Times

Today, we live in a world where shady political agendas on In the case of our leaders, personal interests take prec- a global scale reign and uncounted atrocities abound. A edence over national concerns in the murky waters of quote that best describes this alarming situation says, „We politics. Here, we must remember what His Beatitude Pa- live in an age where terrorism, madness, rage, chaos, and triarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi wrote in his first An- killing prevail.‰ The entire world reeks with the stench of nual Letter. He says, „Political rivalry is a natural and nec- blood and misery. Primitive barbarity is now on par with a essary phenomenon in any healthy democratic system. It new type of violence spurred by technological advances, is unacceptable, however, that political parties relentlessly blurring the line between these two evils. The world has seek to cause political fragmentation, and continue to illic- rapidly degenerated into a systemic mess in which blind itly share in the StateÊs assets and squander its resources.‰ madness dictates the fate of humanity. Our leaders thus far have come up against a brick wall, To try to understand a world devoid of sanity, we need to finding it seemingly impossible to form a new govern- ask ourselves some hard questions: „Is humanity doomed ment, to enact a new electoral law, or to implement free, to live an uncivilized and unbalanced existence, which is democratic parliamentary elections. By implication, this means that we are not qualified to lead this country. fueled by an inexplicable drive to kill one another? When Despite this looming reality, we must refrain from leve- did the staunch moral citizens of the world renounce their ling accusations. Instead, we must honestly ask ourselves, values and principles, and sink into a quagmire of immoral- „Who is to be held responsible for the current situation in ity with no sign of recovery? Lebanon? When and why did we reach this critical state, This gloomy outlook weighs heavily on the minds of many which is negatively affecting all spheres of life: social, po- philosophers and intellectuals. Our morally reprehensible litical, economic, and educational?‰ world is particularly disturbing and requires us to tread At this juncture, I admit that we, leaders of educational in- carefully and remain on high alert. As educators · Ad- stitutions and particularly universities, are partly to blame ministrators and Faculty · we are called upon to reflect in- for this crisis. ward to avoid falling into the trap of contributing, whether The truth, my friends, is that for nearly forty years, Lebanon intentionally or unintentionally, to this sharp decline. For if has been plagued by a unique and complex predicament, we choose to ignore the present reality, we would be like which has adversely affected its role as an independent and an ostrich hiding its head in the sand, waiting for the dan- civilized state. Today, we find that we are unable to build a ger to pass in the false hope that it will emerge unscathed. nation, maintain a government, develop a viable economy, Dear Friends, or live in harmony under the banner of national unity. Lebanon is but a mere drop in the ocean. We do not shape We have turned into a nation of feuding tribes and clans events; events shape us. Like countless other nations, we driven by a lust to kill whenever we are called to arms. try to determine a direction to follow, but we lack a com- Our television screens have become a showcase for accu- pass to guide us. Instead, we „sit on the wayside,‰ waiting sations, rumors, and outright lies. Our educational institu- for things to happen while the world around us crumbles tions have been repeatedly smeared. These falsehoods at into a sea of hostility, and the very earth moves beneath one point almost made us believe that, just maybe, we our feet. were impotent and incapable of building a nation.

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Why are we responsible? My answer is three-fold. Dr. Charles Malek, a Lebanese scholar, says, „When Mus- First, since its inception as an independent entity, Lebanon lim-Christian equality ceases to exist in Lebanon, Lebanon has been entrusted with upholding a ÂcivilizedÊ role in the will cease to exist.‰ region. Given this diversity, where do we stand today? DoesnÊt What does this mean? It means: freedom of expression, the threat of an impending exodus hang over the heads including the right to demonstrate; free press; free pub- of all our communities day in and day out? We are pre- lication and media; liberal education, i.e. art and culture sented with new road maps for the Middle East each day, (theater, films, music, poetry, etc.); sports; and, of course, which serve to further divide, destabilize, and weaken the tourism for all seasons. region. In addition, we live under the threat of blind and This role embodies the human journey par excellence, be- widespread fundamentalism and extremism in every cor- cause according to Georges Duhamel, „If civilization is not ner, both locally and regionally. Mutual respect is but a in the inner self, itÊs nowhere.‰ memory, an individualÊs destiny becomes the property of Do we still maintain this role? Have others overtaken us? the tyrant, sovereignty is shunned, and the rule of law is Have others taken advantage of our troubles by robbing blatantly disobeyed. us of our hard-earned position (and maybe rightly so)? As educational institutions, have we exerted ourselves to Students from across the Middle East have always sought foster diversity instead of contributing toward its death out universities in Lebanon, because our universities used and burial? to be a living and breathing example of free thought and If universities lose their role in preserving and developing innovation, and a dynamic stage for popular uprisings and diversity, we lose Lebanon. Universities were established to calls for change. Does this unique characteristic still hold bring together men and women, different beliefs, different true today? political parties, different religions, different social classes, If we lose our role as the seat of culture, as a nation, and and different nationalities. Universities were founded to as a University, then we lose everything. serve as an open forum for dialogue, discussion and inter- Second, Lebanon has existed as a country, which embraces action, and to provide again a venue for students to meet, diversity in all its forms: cultural, religious, social, and eth- learn, and get to know one another. nic. God has bestowed upon us a nation set in spectacular "Dear Friends, natural beauty, and our strategic geographical location has I reiterate, if we lose our role as a nation and as a Univer- been recognized for centuries as the gateway between the sity to preserve diversity and to respect plurality, we lose East and West. Countless others have believed in us and everything. supported us across the ages. Pope John Paul II once said, Third, we are responsible, because our faith in God makes „Lebanon is more than a country; it is a mission.‰ us the children of faith. Christian churches, monasteries, In his second Annual Letter, Patriarch Rahi writes, „Based and shrines, belfries and minarets, Muslim mosques, and on the National Pact, Lebanon is not a religious state, it is Druze prayer-houses (khalwat) flourish in every Lebanese a secular one. In other words, neither religion nor religious town and village from north to south and from the highest books such as the Bible or the QurÊan are used as a source peaks down to the coastal regions. This unique demogra- of legislation.‰ phy raises the existentialist question: Are we true believers

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– in both word and deed – or mere religious fundamental- We live in a world dominated by chaos and death. We are ists? invited, therefore, to join hands to triumph over hatred Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI declared 2013 the „Year of and violence, and to regain our three-dimensional role by: Faith.‰ Let us probe our conscience to find out whether we - Preserving civilization in the region; are true believers or not. - Fostering human relations in terms of diversity and plu- Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ asked us to love one an- rality; other. He saved us all, without distinction, without excep- - Deepening our faith in God so that He may guide us tion. away from our selfish desires and lusts. We can truly be The Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod His children, united by His love, and guided toward the of Bishops, convening in the Vatican City in 2010, an- Good, the Just, and the Beautiful. nounced, „Religious freedom is above all freedoms. It is, hence, vital to move from forgiveness to religious freedom. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Religions can meet to serve the common good and to build Dear NDU Community Members, society. Seek to live in union, respect, and brotherly com- This is my message today. I am not afraid, and I am willing munion with one another.‰ to take a stand. As many of you are aware, we, as a Uni- The Sura al-Imran (Verse 64) of the QurÊan, says, „O People versity, are using all means in our power to initiate reform, of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between maintain our high quality of education, and ultimately ob- us and you·that we will not worship except Allah and not tain institutional accreditation from one of the most rec- associate anything with Him and not take one another as ognized accrediting bodies in the world. I can assure you lords instead of Allah.‰ today that we are getting closer to our goal. This is true faith, which is far removed from resentment, Yet, we carry a heavy burden due to the prevailing situa- fundamentalism, and murderous identities. tion in our country and the entire region. I call upon you If the University loses its role in deepening the Christian once again to join hands with us to save our University, faith in the hearts of its administrators, faculty, staff, and to save our country, and I would not be exaggerating by students, then what would be its role and its future? also adding „to save the world,‰ for we are all responsible If we lose the battle to deepen our great faith · in our before God, before our conscience, and before humanity. national role and in our role as a University · this nation Today, we celebrate FoundersÊ Day. On this special occa- would witness religious confessions, serving as a rallying sion, which is an occasion of celebration and contempla- point for warring camps in an atmosphere of pure ha- tion, I thank you all for your cooperation: the Maronite tred. Instead of defending human rights, we would end Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary, represented by Supe- up defending the rights of confessions, which would ul- rior General Abbot Boutros Tarabay; the OrderÊs Supreme timately lead to war. May God deliver our University and Council; Dr. François Bassil, President and members of the other universities and educational institutions from blind Board of Trustees; University administrators; faculty; staff; confessionalism. True faith must be preserved, for it is only students; and alumni. through true faith that unity and human dignity can be I firmly believe that God is always with us. May God bless you all. achieved. Long live NDU! Long live Lebanon!

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Academic Affairs

Dr. Robert Fisk: A Dialogue on the “Nature of Freedom” Ameen RHAYEM, Hiba EID, and Natalie TOUMA Pictures: Wadih ESTEPHAN

Dr. Robert Fisk, an English writer and multiple award-win- ning journalist, was the guest speaker at a panel discussion titled the „Nature of Freedom,‰ which was held on May 27, 2013, at the Issam Faris Conference Hall, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). The Vice-President for Cultural Affairs and Public Relations–Press Office, the Department of Mass Communication, and the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (CRVP) organized the event. Dr. Fisk, who has lived and worked in Beirut for more than 35 years in the capacity of Middle East correspondent of The Independent, discussed the Nature of Freedom with Prof. Edward Alam, Professor of Philosophy at NDU and General Secretary of the CRVP, in the presence of NDU administrators, lecturers, staff, and students. The panel discussion focused on three broad philosophi- cal questions, regarding the concept of freedom in which Dr. Fisk was given 10 minutes to answer each question. Dr. Fisk, who is also fluent in Arabic, was asked to discuss „freedom‰ as seen through the eyes of a westerner and in his capacity as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East. Dr. Robert Fisk. Prof. Alam posed the first question, „In your book, The Great War For Civilization: The Conquest of the Middle East, you mentioned, ÂI think in the end we have to accept that our tragedy lies always in our past, that we have to live with our ancestorsÊ folly and suffer for it, just as they, in their turn, suffered, and as we, through our vanity and arrogance, ensure the pain and suffering of our own chil- dren. How to correct history, thatÊs the thing«Ê In your judgment, what is your relation between correcting history and escaping it, and whatÊs the journalistÊs role according to this?‰ Dr. Fisk, who combines his journalism with a deeper sense of history and context, replied to the question by giving the example of Lebanese citizens. In his opinion, the Leba- nese are no longer able break away from their sectarian political system since it has become a part of their national identity. He said, „I watched people in these artificial bor- ders burn« I was amazed to find that the majority of peo- ple I met here in Lebanon are highly intelligent; however, Prof. Edward Alam. in the West we donÊt think that they are!‰

13 The audience.

Dr. Fisk continued, „The freedom that I cherish as a jour- The last question focused on the perception of modern nalist is that I have the freedom to challenge power, and notions of freedom and the political and religious realities what I like about the Middle East and Lebanon in particular in the Middle East of today. is that you can criticize U.S. policy, and the roof will not fall Dr. Fisk said, „Lots of people believe that women have the on your head. Here, journalists can speak the truth.‰ same rights as men. I believe people should be left alone Prof. AlamÊs second question centered on the perception to find and fight for their own freedom without having between the reflection of beauty and freedom on the one hand and truth and freedom on the other hand, especially a foreign country come and interfere by trying to export in the case of the U.S.A. their version of freedom to other countries. In many capi- Dr. Fisk responded that the problem in the U.S.A. was the tal cities across the Middle East, you can find WomenÊs absence of the use of freedom. He stated that journalists in Rights for freedom and education; however, outside these America have become the mouthpiece of the government. capitals, the same concept does not apply. In Lebanon, I They do not challenge authority. He said, „In America, you believe that WomenÊs Rights are at the forefront. As I men- can talk about everything except the Middle East, and in the end even though there is a lot of freedom in America tioned, people should be left alone to develop at their own most of it is not used.‰ pace.‰

Dr. Robert Fisk (center) with NDU students.

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Alumni Affairs Office

Faces in the Crowd: Class of 2013 Simon Abou JAOUDE

Our roaming camera at the Alumni event „Celebrating has prepared me for a successful career, and I am planning Your Next Step‰ captured many faces in late May and early to work in an advertising agency. I owe much to my Alma June, 2013, on all three campuses of Notre Dame Univer- Mater NDU for all the academic knowledge and personal sity-Louaize (NDU). We made it a point not to overlook the experience it has provided me. NDU is my second home captivating moments that made the event worthwhile. All and I will remember it each and every time I travel further of these faces will take the podium to receive the diploma in my life and career. After all, how can I forget a place they worked hard to earn. The NDU Alumni community that gave me too much to remember? A wise man at NDU is made up of dynamic figures·intelligent, zealous, de- once said, "When you leave here, don't forget why you termined, and ambitious graduates committed to their came." society and professions, making a great impact wherever they go. Fadine Chihane, Architecture, writes, „Throughout my years of The „Class of 2013‰ follows in their footsteps · faces in education at NDU, IÊve had the the crowd that ought to be recognized. Fr. Walid Moussa, opportunity to discover, explore, NDU President, captured this spirit perfectly when he said, and experience a great deal of „We want our graduates to be connected and commit- opportunities. Majoring in Archi- ted to their communities and their professions across the tecture was a whole new phase board. Supporting them in this process is our duty and our in my life from which IÊve gained privilege, day by day, alumnus by alumnus.‰ The Class of several beneficial aspects that en- 2013 steps out into a world plagued by economic woes hanced my academic thinking and supported my personal and national distress. Still they are ready to meet the chal- being. I have been able to experience life in the world of lenges of this world head-on and with optimism. architecture and understand the definition of teamwork, The Alumni Affairs Office sent out an e-mail at random, practice the art of presentation, and extend the limits of asking prospective graduates to share their thoughts on my imagination. Having reached the end of my experience NDU with the NDU community. These graduates can pro- at NDU, I plan to launch myself into real life while continu- vide us with their sincere thoughts about their University ing my education by pursuing a Master degree in Architec- life and experience. I once heard Fr. Bechara Khoury, Di- tural Design. After five years at NDU, I dedicate all my past rector of Finance at NDU, say, „What is important to this, and future successes to my dear professors who helped me or any university, is not only its past but its future. NDU shape my path. A wise man at NDU once told me, "To graduates are our bright future.‰ be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best The e-mails below provide us with a flavor of NDUÊs new night and day to make you everybody else means to fight graduates from seven Faculties, and we will have much the hardest battle, which any human being can fight, and more to come soon from graduates of our other campus- never stop fighting." es. Watch out, our graduates are ready to rock the world! Hoda Helou, International Affairs & Joelle Basbous, Advertising & Diplomacy, writes, „Mission accom- Marketing, writes, „Aristotle plished! BA acquired! I am graduat- said, ÂThe roots of education are ing. ÂSuccess is most often achieved bitter, but the fruit is sweet.Ê I am by those who don't know that failure an NDU student graduating with is inevitable.Ê Being an NDU student a BA in Advertising and Market- provided me with great academic and ing this July. My academic experi- social life experiences that shaped my ence at NDU helped me improve success. Studying International Affairs my skills and understand the real and Diplomacy provided me with all world of media and advertising. the theoretical and practical skills I will require throughout My personal experience was my career and personal life. Ever since my enrollment at further enriched after spending NDU in 2010, I was on the DeanÊs List, and I received a three years at the dorms; NDU became my second home good scholarship. My goal was always to excel in my stud- and the place where I felt secure. Student life and the ies to acquire the best education possible. I was always beautiful atmosphere at NDU encouraged me participate active in clubs at the Faculty. During my last year, I was in club activities that helped build my self-confidence. NDU appointed as President of the Club of International Rela-

15 Academic Affairs

tions (CIR). This helped me gain even more experience and No words can suffice to describe an NDU experience given more friends. I did my internships with different NGOs, that it is a refreshing mix of knowledge and valuable infor- Foreign Ministry departments, and United Nations agen- mation, an opportunity and a challenge, brief encounters cies. For the future, I plan to start my MasterÊs degree in and life-long relationships, and above all, a memory that International Law at NDU. NDU was never just a university one can retain with pride. A wise man at NDU once said, where I went to receive my degree; it was a way of life. I "The difference between a successful person and others is learned a lot from this phase in my life. I learned how to not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather be determined and positive, how to plan and achieve, how a lack in will." to cooperate and lead. Now, I am learning how to con- tinue and move beyond. A wise man at NDU once told me, Samia el-Khoury, Actuarial Sci- "I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling ence & Insurance, writes, „I feel that's as unique as a fingerprint·and that the best way to honored to have had the oppor- succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way tunity to have studied at such a to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, reputable university, for the educa- and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you." tion and wealth of knowledge that my insightful instructors provided Stephanie Azar, Nutrition & me with are priceless. I spent three Dietetics writes, „I would like to memorable years at NDU, during start with the following thought, which NDU was my second home. I ÂThe best thing about studying met great new friends and togeth- at NDU is the sense of belonging er, we enjoyed every single minute that you feel on campus.Ê I have of the lively social life at NDU. I would like to thank all been a student at NDU for the my instructors, in particular my lovely advisor Mrs. Claudia past three years and few days Freiji Bou Nassif, for they have given me a strong educa- separate me from becoming an tional background, and assisted me with their full support Alumnus. The years I spent at through the hardest part of the decision making process, NDU added much to my life and as I was making my future plans. In a few weeks, I will be personality. NDU was the place leaving my home country to continue my studies abroad. I where I got what I wanted from a university, on both the was granted a full scholarship to pursue a MasterÊs degree academic and personal levels. I met a lot of interesting and in Actuarial Science at Concordia University, Canada. NDU wonderful people. I felt as if we were one family through- put me on the right track toward achieving my goals. Be- out these years; students were very friendly and lecturers ing a student at NDU was a very good experience and one that I will always cherish. A wise man at NDU once said, were very helpful. IÊll remember the laughs in the hallway "Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeed- of the Faculty, the stress in the exam halls, and the deci- sions taken at the DeanÊs Office. ÂThe dream begins with ing at things in life that don't really matter." a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes, and Francois Zein, Electrical Engi- leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with neering, writes, „ÂYour university a sharp stick: „You can do it".Ê This thought applies to education will shape your careerÊ three very distinguished professors, Dean Antoine Farhat, is what my father told me. When Dr. Doris Jaalouk, and Mrs. Maya Abou Jaoude. Thank you I first enrolled at NDU in Fall 2008, for granting me the continuous pride of being an NDU my only mission was to pass all my graduate«My memories at NDU will always be missed but courses, finish all requirements, never forgotten.‰ and get my degree. But then as semesters passed I realized that itÊs Elias F. Kazan, Banking & Fi- not only important to pass courses nance, writes: „Summarizing with just any passing grade, but my experience at NDU is not the most important thing is to get easy; however, its highlights the maximum benefits from each course and grasp the will remain vivid in my memory experience that our instructors communicated to us to for the longest time. NDU does help us get the best education. What our instructors have it with a heart. Throughout my taught us at NDU will never be taught by anyone else in four years at NDU, as a Banking our career. Student life at NDU was just right to enjoy cam- and Finance student, I attended pus life. My future plan is to work in the field of designing courses with several instructors, electrical layouts for various construction projects, which I whom I benefited from their already started with six months ago. I wonÊt be traveling practical knowledge as well as personal experiences; this from Lebanon except for specific missions within a limited has significantly reflected on my academic accomplish- timeframe. NDU will be remembered as the University that ments and achievements. My personality and character gave me the first and most important step to face all chal- were constantly developing as I encountered instructors lenges, conflicts, and opportunities that I may encounter in and students alike each having a different background and the future. I send a special thanks to all my instructors and colleagues who helped me get the best out of my major. a unique story. As for my future career, it is starting to take A wise man at NDU once said, ÂSuccess is knowing your its course with my foot firmly planted in a well reputable purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, company, working in my own field of interest and study. and sowing seeds that benefit others.Ê

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Academic And Student Activities

LERC Activities and Important Visitors Read full articles at www.ndu.edu.lb/lerc

Dr. Hourani Attends 2012 Middle East and Islamic Studies at Japan Workshop in Beirut - Dr. Guita HOURANI

As part of its mission, the Japan Center for Middle East- ern Studies (JaCMES) organized on December 1, 2012, its 2012 workshop where young Japanese researchers pre- sented their academic research (mostly Ph.D. study theses) before a panel of experts in their respective fields, who were invited to comment on the papers presented. Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), was invited in the capacity of an expert on Mid- dle Eastern migration to read, comment, and advise on a paper by Dr. Mari Nukii, Research Associate at the Waseda University in Tokyo. The paper was titled „The History of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Ser- vices: Living as ÂArab-AmericansÊ in America Before and Af- ter 9/11,‰ which dealt with the history and services of the organization before and after 9/11. Hourani also served in Dr. Hourani (left) commenting of Dr. Nukii's Paper (Beirut: Decem- the capacity of an observer during other workshops. ber 1, 2012)

Dr. Hourani Gives a Lecture on Lebanese Out-of-Country Voting at a Workshop in Tokyo, Japan - Dr. Guita HOURANI

The Japan Center for Middle Eastern Studies (JaCMES) invit- ed Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), to give a lecture on December 12, 2012, at a work- shop titled „The Proposed Electoral Law for 2013 and Out- Of-Country Voting: Marginalization of the Lebanese Dias- pora Engagement.‰ The workshop was held at the Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa (ILCAA) at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), Japan. Dr. Hourani began her lecture by providing her audience with an overview of the efforts to grant Lebanese citi- zens living abroad the right to participate in parliamentary elections in Lebanon through out-of-country voting. She analyzed the positions of the various political parties and parliamentary blocks, concerning the most recent Electoral Dr. Hourani (standing) delivering her lecture on out-of-country Law proposal and its articles governing the participation of voting (Tokyo: December 12, 2012)

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Lebanese expatriates in the 2013 election as well as the Dr. Hourani also discussed at length the geographical dis- potential effect of out-of-country voting on the current tribution and estimated number of Lebanese expatriates political state in the country. as well as the estimated cost of out-of-country voting. Dr. She discussed how the current Lebanese government pro- Hourani further debated the procrastination of the Minis- poses to allocate six new parliamentary seats, which will try of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in setting up a viable be filled largely by those elected by Lebanese expatriates mechanism for out-of-country voting for the 2013 parlia- and also discussed the fact that a previous government mentary elections and the unfounded claim by the same found the allocation of twelve seats „unconstitutional‰ ministry that Lebanese expatriates are apathetic to out-of- and „discriminatory.‰ country voting. A Q&A session followed the lecture.

LERC Honors Dr. Moise Khayrallah - Maritta SISLIAN

In the presence of Fr. Walid Moussa, President of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), Dr. Assaad Eid, NDU Vice- President for Sponsored Research and Development, and Dr. Amine Rihani, NDU Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) honored on February 26, 2013, Dr. Moise Khayrallah for establish- ing the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese-American Stud- ies at North Carolina State University, U.S.A., which Dr. Akram Khater administers. Dr. Khayrallah holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Uni- versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, U.S.A. With more than 23 of experience in executive and research develop- ment positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology com- (from left): Mrs. Liliane Haddad, Dr. Guita Hourani, panies, he is today the President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Dr. Maha Mouchantaf, the mother of Dr. Moise Khayrallah, Dr. Moise Khayrallah, Fr. Walid Moussa, Dr. Assaad Eid, Neuronex. Dr. Khayrallah hails from the village of Ghbeleh Mr. Roger Khayrallah, and Dr. Edward Alam in Lebanon. He emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1983, but re- mains in close contact with his family in Lebanon and visits considers as an honor the success stories of every Leba- home regularly. nese expatriate. Fr. Moussa presented Dr. Khayrallah with an „Achievement Dr. Khayrallah thanked the LERC and NDU for the award Award‰ in recognition of his success in North Carolina. and reinstated that he was proud of his Lebanese heritage, Fr. Moussa said that Lebanese expatriates are a source of promising to continue pursuing this path by establishing pride to Lebanon and that every single citizen in Lebanon similar programs in all the states of the U.S.A.

LERC Honors Dr. Akram Khater at NDU - Maritta SISLIAN

The Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre and Faculty Deans and Directors. Dr. Eid read a short biog- Dame University-Louaize (NDU) honored on May 21, 2013, raphy on Dr. Khater to initiate the recognition ceremony. Dr. Akram Khater for the following accomplishments: His Dr. Khater was born in 1960 in Lebanon. He is currently an scholarly achievements in the field of Lebanese migration, Associate Professor of History, Founder and Director of the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese-American Studies, and the founding of the Khayrallah Program for Lebanese- Director of Middle East Studies Program at the North Caro- American Studies, and the launch of Mashriq & Mahjar: lina State University in the U.S.A., in cooperation with Dr. Journal of Middle East Migration Studies. Moise Khayrallah, and cofounder of the Mashriq-Mahar Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the LERC, welcomed to the Journal of Middle East Migration Studies. He is a published Center Dr. Khater and his family, Dr. Assad Eid, NDU Vice- author with several published books under his belt. His President for Sponsored Research and Development, Dr. book Inventing Home: Emigration, Gender and the Mak- Amin Rihani, NDU Vice-President for Academic Affairs, ing of a Lebanese Middle Class is a world reference for

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Lebanese emigration studies. His most recent work is a documentary titled Cedars in the Pines, which focuses on the history of the Lebanese community in North Carolina. He has recently been asked to join a specialist multieth- nic committee to serve the Federal Census Bureau in the U.S.A. as well as to serve as an expert on the Arab popula- tion in the U.S Dr. Eid and Dr. Rihani both presented Dr. Khater with an „Acknowledgement Award‰ on behalf of Fr. Walid Mous- sa, NDU President, in recognition to his achievements in the U.S.A. Following the award presentation, a shortened version of Cedars in the Pines was screened. After the screening, Dr. (from left): Dr. Assad Eid, Dr. Akram Khater, and Dr. Amin Rihani. Khater thanked the LERC and NDU. He said that the Khay- rallah Program was established to academically credit the efforts and influential role that the Lebanese have played as the first center in the world to study Lebanese emigra- in North Carolina and to give a truer picture of the Leba- tion from a scientific perspective and not from an emo- nese, especially since 9/11. He saluted his cooperation with tional one. He added that throughout the 10 years since the LERC, praising its pioneering work and commending its founding, the relations the LERC has forged both locally the efforts of Dr. Hourani in making the Center what it is and internationally attest to its success. today: A renowned Center in academic circles. Following the ceremony, Faculty Deans and Directors con- Dr. Rihani congratulated the LERC for being able to bring gratulated Dr. Khater and together with the LERC team, together scholars and experts working on Lebanese emi- escorted him to the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum gration such as Dr. Khater and for being an invaluable ref- where Dr. Hourani presented him with a collection of erence in this field. He said that the LERC was established books published by the LERC.

Hadi el-Khoury, Vice-President of the French-Lebanese Association for Information Technology Professionals Visits LERC - Maritta SISLIAN

Hadi el-Khoury is a young Lebanese entrepreneur who cur- rently works and lives in France. Despite having left Leba- non to complete his education and pursue a career in IT, he is keen on maintaining strong ties with his homeland and does his best to give back to Lebanon. One year ago, a small and like-minded group of passion- ate Lebanese expatriates, led by Mr. Khoury, launched the „Keefak‰ application, which is now available on the App Store and on Google Play. This application is designed as an interactive and simple platform to teach Arabic in ver- nacular Lebanese to smart phone and smart tablet users. The following are Keefak online resources, which can be accessed to obtain further information: - Website: www.keefaktheapp.com The „Keefak‰ Application - Facebook: www.facebook.com/KeefakTheApp - Twitter: www.twitter.com/KeefakTheApp

19 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Roundtable Symposium on „Lebanese Churches Self-Understanding of the Mission of God in Relation to Migrant Domestic Workers.‰ Maritta SISLIAN

The Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre homes, separated from their relatives, and suffered from Dame University-Louaize (NDU), in cooperation with the both physical and mental distress. Baby Central provided Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (CRVP) at much-needed supplies for the babies of displaced mothers. NDU, organized a roundtable symposium and invited Rev. Dr. Hamd began his lecture by providing a brief overview Dr. Robert Hamd to discuss his Ph.D. findings on „Leba- of the dire situation the MDWs are facing in Lebanon. nese ChurchesÊ Self Understanding of the Mission of God He explained that his study understands how Lebanese in Relation to Migrant Domestic Workers.‰ churches treat the plight of the MDWs as an indicator of Dr. Edward Alam, Director of the CRVP, welcomed Rev. the Lebanese churchesÊ self-understanding of the Missio Hamd and the attendees to the lecture. Dr. Guita Houra- Dei (Mission of God). He has conducted 25 in-depth, open ni, Director of the LERC, introduced Rev. Hamd through a interviews with migrant domestic workers in Lebanon and short biography saying that Rev. Hamd, a Lebanese-Amer- 50 blended surveys of Lebanese key clergy members of ican, had served as a church planter and pastor in Jordan, various denominations to analyze the perceptions and at- France, the U.S.A., and Lebanon. He is the current Pastor titudes toward migrant domestic workers in Lebanon. Us- of a global South congregation in Beirut, Lebanon, and ing grounded theory approach, he reveals how key clergy the Executive Director of the Philemon Project, a church- are complicit in propping up structural injustices against sponsored ministry of The National Evangelical Church vulnerable African and Asian migrant workers in Lebanon, that works among the marginalized. He earned a BA from rather than confronting societal sin in the name of Jesus. Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan U.S.A., an This study is of vital interest and importance, because it is MDiv at The Near East School of Theology in Beirut, Leba- the first time that this topic is addressed from a theological non, and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller lens and not through the lens of social science. The re- Theological School in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. He was sults of this study show that religious figures are reluctant Senior Pastor from 2004-2007 of the First Presbyterian to bear responsibility in this regard and instead shift the Church in Houma, Louisiana in the U.S.A. During that time, blame onto the government. Dr. Hamd also stressed that he led his church through AmericaÊs most deadliest and de- Lebanon should advance its Labor Law and especially the structive hurricane·Katrina. His church responded to the kafala system (sponsorship system) toward the MDWs for thousands of survivors by opening a church-based ministry it to be a country worthy of joining the list of states that called Baby Central to support those who had lost their respect human rights.

(from left): Dr. Joseph Yaacoub; Mrs. Lilianne Haddad; Mrs. Marie-Jose Tayah; Dr. Nick Kahwaji; Ms. Leslie Hage; Dr. Guita Hourani; Dr. Robert Hamd; Dr. Edward Alam; Mr. Roger Khayrallah; Dr. Eugene Sensenig Dabbous; and Ms. Honoree Claris.

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Dr. Raouf Rifai Donates Painting to the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum - Maritta SISLIAN

Dr. Raouf Rifai, a well-known Lebanese-born painter, donated one of his paintings to the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum at the Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC). The ceremony was held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, in the presence of Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the LERC, Dr. Jean Pierre Asmar, Dean of the Faculty of Ar- chitecture, Art and Design, Khaled Abou Hol, a Lebanese artist, and members of the LERC team. Dr. RifaiÂs painting symbolizes Lebanese emigration titled Diaspora 1, which he completed in 2009. In this piece, the artist depicts skyscrapers in New York and a Lebanese im- migrant, as seen through the eyes of a westerner, wearing Dr. Raouf Rifai posing in front of his painting Diaspora 1. a tarboush (fez) with big lips and a big nose. The aim of the painting is to reveal the contradictory ways in which westerners view the Lebanese. Dr. Rifai says westerners His work is also displayed in many public collections; see the Lebanese in two ways: as scholars, researchers, namely, the Sursock Museum, Lebanon; the National Mu- successful entrepreneurs, and famous doctors or as a lazy seum of Modern Art, Syria; the Muharram Beh Museum race or terrorists. The painting, therefore, expresses the in Alexandria, Egypt; and recently in ChristieÊs: Fine Arts need for dialogue between East and West. Auctions. Dr. Rifai studied Fine Arts at the Lebanese University and Dr. Rifai participated in the „Diaspora Exhibition,‰ which later obtained a Ph.D. in Urbanism from the Sorbonne I the LERC organized in 2010, where he exhibited his paint- University in Paris, France. He started teaching in 1995 and ing titled Diaspora III; he later donated the painting to today lectures in the Department of Architecture and De- NDUÊs Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design. sign at the Lebanese University. Dr. Rifai promised continuous cooperation with the LERC, Dr. Rifai has held several solo exhibitions in Lebanon, and commended the CenterÊs efforts in establishing the Spain, the U.A.E., France, the U.S.A., and Japan, and has Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum, especially since it participated in many joint exhibitions around the world. exhibits artwork that reflects its Mission

Mr. Tarek Boustani Visits the LERC - Maritta SISLIAN

Born in the Republic of Togo to Lebanese parents, Mr. Tarek Boustani is a distinguished commercial airline pilot, who has flown for ASKY Airlines since 2010. Mr. Boustani learned to fly airplanes at the age of 14 at the Aero-Club of Lome before moving on to fly jets in the United States of America and France. He previously piloted for Europe Airpost (formerly Aeropostale). Mr. Boustani was also the President of TogoÊs former private pilot. Mr. Boustani visited the LERC on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, where he was appointed the LERCÊs Liaison Officer in West Africa. He has promised to send his grandfatherÊs personal collection given that his grandfather was the first member of the Boustani family to emigrate to Africa. Mr. Boustani Dr. Raouf Rifai posing in front of his painting Diaspora 1. also donated to the LERC two Arabic books titled Le baron. Mrs. Lilianne Haddad introduced Mr. Boustani through a presentation to the CenterÊs mission and archival database. Mr. Boustani promised continued cooperation and ex- He was later given a tour of the Lebanon Migration Nu- pressed his pleasure in being selected as one of the LERCÊs cleus Museum. new international team members.

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LERC Honors Outgoing Mexican Ambassador Fuentes with „Achieve- ment Award‰ - Youssef el-HELOU

The Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at No- tween the LERC and the several hundred thousand Mexi- tre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) honored on June 11, cans of Lebanese descent. 2013, outgoing Ambassador of Mexico to Lebanon, H.E. Dr. Eid in his speech said, „It is both a pleasure and a priv- Jorge Èlvarez Fuentes, with an „Achievement Award‰ for ilege to stand here today and introduce a distinguished his staunch support of the Center, during his tenure in Leb- guest who is not an ordinary man but an accomplished ac- anon (2007-2013). The tribute also served as a farewell ademic and diplomat. Ambassador Alvarez has more than to Ambassador Fuentes given that he has recently been three decades of academic and diplomatic experience« appointed Ambassador of Mexico to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, „While remaining a committed, global academic, Ambas- and Sudan. sador Alvarez has distinguished himself as an outstanding Ambassador Fuentes has been a career diplomat since diplomat« Ambassador AlvarezÊ passion to bridge Leba- 1987, and before becoming Ambassador of Mexico to nese universities, specially NDU with Mexican universi- Lebanon, he previously served as Ambassador of Mexico ties and the Lebanese expatriates in Mexico is more than New Zealand from 1999-2004. visible. His collaboration with the LERC has yielded quite In attendance were: Ambassador Fuentes; Jorge Malcom valuable and rewarding results. Baker, the President of the Bureau of Consular Affairs at „For all of this we say Âthank you.Ê TodayÊs acknowledge- the Mexican Embassy; Fr. Walid Moussa, President of NDU; ment is but a token of our appreciation and gratitude, and Dr. Assaad Eid Vice-President for Sponsored Research and we look forward to continuous cooperation with His Excel- Development; Mr. Souhail Matar, Vice-President for Cul- lency wherever he may be. For us, it is not a ÂfarewellÊ but a tural Affairs and Public Relations; Mr. Roberto Khatlab, ÂgoodbyeÊ, and until we meet again, we wish him the best the LERC Liaison Officer to Latin America; Faculty deans, in his new endeavor.‰ directors, staff members, and guests. For his part, Fr. Moussa commended the efforts of Ambas- Dr. Hourani welcomed the audience and expressed her ap- sador Fuentes in helping to establish the Lebanon Migra- preciation of Ambassador FuentesÊs efforts and his signifi- tion Nucleus Museum at NDU. Fr Moussa said, „Ambas- cant contributions to Lebanon, during his inspiring tenure. sador Fuentes has shown a great degree of interest in our Dr. Hourani also thanked him for deepening relations be- academic affairs, and has always been one of our strong-

(from left): Fr. Walid Moussa, Ambassador Jorge Alvarez Fuentes, Mr. Suheil Matar, Dr. Assaad Eid, and Dr. Guita Hourani.

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est supporters; therefore, NDU, as an academic institution, Mexican economy. He also indicated that the Lebanese is proud to honor him here today.‰ contribute 12 percent of his countryÊs GDP. He continued Dr. Hourani, Dr. Eid, and Mr. Matar joined Fr. Moussa in by saying that „one of the most important indicators of presenting Ambassador Fuentes with an „Achievement the Lebanese success in Mexico is the presence of six min- Award.‰ isters of Lebanese descent currently serving in the Mexican Ambassador Fuentes then took the lectern and thanked cabinet.‰ NDU and the LERC. He said that the LERC was a treas- The Ambassador closed his speech by putting forward a ure for Lebanese migration and a center of which to be few recommendations to help the Center. He said future proud. He added that he was always happy to attend cul- studies should shed light on the new generation of Leba- tural events and seminars as well as academic activities or- ganized by the Center and considered them a great ben- nese in Mexico, because they care about Lebanon much efit. Ambassador Fuentes said that his horizons expanded more than their parents and grandparents, and are aware through the CenterÊs research and accomplishments. of the situation due to increase in the use of social media. He hailed the role of Lebanese-Mexicans living and work- He promised to continue supporting the LERC in its en- ing in Mexico and stressed that their efforts and con- deavors and presented an invaluable gift to the Museum: a structive integration in Mexican society helped build the digital copy of the immigrantÊs magazine El-Gherbal.

Turkish TV Interviewed Director Hourani on Lebanese Migration Liliane HADDAD

Three representatives of TRT TV (the official Turkish State Television), who are filming a 13-episode documentary titled El Turco visited the Lebanese Emigra- tion Research Center (LERC) on June 18, 2013, to interview Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the LERC. The Turkish government is financing the documentary via its media outlet–Turk- ish TV. The documentary will also be filmed in, among other countries, the U.S.A., Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. Kemal Çiftçi, the President of Yedirenk Film Production, which has undertaken this major venture, said that the purpose of this documentary is to highlight migration from the Levantine to Latin America, during the Ottoman era. The interview with Dr. Hourani took place in the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum. Both the Producer, ùsrafil Kuralay and Kamil Çatak, Director of Pho- tography of Yedirenk Film Production, were delighted with the items on display at the museum and said that Turkey does not have a place that compares to it. Mr. Çiftçi asked if the LERC could provide the production team with mate- rial from its collections to be featured in the documentary. He promised that due credit would be given to the Center and to Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). Mr. Çiftçi said that the documentary is to be completed by the end of this calendar year, and that it will be dubbed in English, and that a copy of the 13 episodes will be sent to the LERC in appreciation of its support.

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FAAD

End-of-year Student Concert Dr. Lola BEYROUTI

The Department of Music at the Faculty of Architecture, and classical guitar tunes, Occidental singing e.g. opera, Arts and Design (FAAD) put together a concert on June 26, jazz, and classical Arabic. 2013, at 6:00 p.m., which was organized by the students The concert showcased the outstanding talents of our stu- of Musicology, Musimedialogy, Jazz Musicology, Music dents given the relatively short time they had to prepare. A Education, and Arabic Musicology. The concert featured interpretations of Classical and Ro- jury evaluated the performance. mantic period piano compositions, an original student Special thanks the following lecturers: Ms. Dolcy Lawoun, composition (on piano), some Jazz improvisations, modern Mr. Jihad Zeidan, Mr. Fady Jambart, and Mr. Fouad Aouad.

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EYE 2013 at NDU: “Moving Forward” Students of the Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design (FAAD) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) “Moving Forward” to a promising future in the creative arts

The FAAD at NDU held its annual End-of-year Exhibition (EYE 2103) titled „Moving Forward‰ under the patron- age of H.E. Mr. Dimyanos Kattar, former Lebanese Min- ister of Finance, Economy and Trade, from Thursday, June 27, 2013 to Friday, June 28, 2013 at NDU Main Campus. The opening ceremony was held at Issam Fares Confer- ence Hall and the exhibition took place at the new FAAD building. EYE 2013 showcased studentsÊ creative exhibits and tal- ents from the departments of Graphic Design, Fashion De- sign, Interior Design, Music, and Architecture. Professor Dr. Hani Zgheib praised the efforts of the Admin- istration and the Committee that oversaw the preparation of the exhibition. He said, „I believe that we have con- tributed, even if it is in a small way, to the commendable efforts made by parents toward their children. We do not want our students to leave the country, but even if they do, we ask them to return home and help us build a better society.‰ For his part, Mr. Suhail Matar, the Vice-President for Cul- tural Affairs and Public Relations, that Lebanon's message of civilization is a symbol of the will to live in the face of a culture that embraces death. Matar said, „Through all the trial and tribulations we experienced, including long drawn-out strikes, we are pleased to announce that we completed and equipped the new building of the FAAD. Despite the volatile situation, the University is continuing on its path to develop its capabilities and increase its learn- ing options through the opening of the Faculty of Law in October 2014, and the establishment of a hospital in a new Faculty of Medicine in the future.‰ Dr. Jean-Pierre el-Asmar, FAAD Dean, said in his address, „Moving Forward exhibits the culmination of three to five years of studies in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Music, and Architecture« In the projects presented, there is a clear sense that each graduate has established a position in relation to the current social, cul- tural, environmental, and political situations in which they operate, and are now ready to offer their work back to the community as a kind of report on what they have discov- ered. The diversified approaches and themes chosen by FAAD departmentsÊ students reflect NDUÊs vision in prepar- ing the upcoming generations to challenge Âconventional wisdom from an informed and constructive position.ʉ

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Dr. Asmar thanked „NDU President Fr. Walid Moussa, Ad- ministrators, EYE 2013 sponsors and Sponsorship Office, EYE 2013 Chairperson, Dr. Hani Zgheib, committee mem- bers, and all of those who worked tirelessly in preparation for this event.‰ In his address, Mr. Kattar spoke to NDU students of „hope‰ and to clarify his message quoted German philosopher Im- manuel Kant, „Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination.‰ Mr. Kattar said he was honored to share in such a cel- ebration, which embraces beauty and creativity despite the daily struggles. He said, "Today, science is surpassed by beauty and culture which mutes the sound of bullets.‰ He added that the digital revolution since the turn of this century had created a virtual economy based on specula- tion, which was the main cause of the financial collapse. Mr. Kattar said, „You [students] in the so-called Âcreative economyÊ are an essential part of the actual economy through your ability to create and invent.‰ He compared the financial sector in Lebanon, which com- prises 7 percent of the economy and employs 3 percent of the labor force, to the creative economy, which comprises 2 percent of the economy and provides work to about 6 percent of the labor force. Kattar said, "You are in the right field and this is what creates added value to our country.‰ Fr. Walid Moussa, thanked Mr. Kattar and all those who contributed to the run-up to the event and those who supported NDU students in helping them discover and de- velop their talents. He wished graduates success for the future. "We thoroughly enjoyed your work and projects. I congratulate all the parents present here today and tell them that they must be proud of their children and also be proud that they are graduates of this University.‰ University students then put on amazing musical per- formance (classical music and jazz), fashion shows, and guests were taken to the new FAAD building to admire the fantastic displays created by engineering students.

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FE

Uninterrupted Two-Day Engineering Competitions Dr. Ghazi ASMAR

In May, 2013, the Department of Mechanical Engineering The following is a listing of the events that went on at the Faculty of Engineering (FE), at Notre Dame Univer- throughout the weekend along with the ranking of the sity-Louaize (NDU) hosted the Student Professional Design students who participated in these events and the prizes Competition (SPDC), a yearly event organized by student that some of them won. members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 1) The Old Guard Oral Presentation The ASME is the largest international engineering organi- In this event, students demonstrated their skills for effec- zation in the world and includes as members, students and tive communication, a requirement for any successful en- professionals alike. The ASME aims at promoting the pro- gineer, by giving presentations before an audience. The fession of mechanical engineering on a worldwide basis. rankings were as follows: It should be noted in this regard, that universities in coun- First: Mr. Jean-Pierre Mrad (NDU), Prize: US$400; tries around the world, depending on the significance of Second: Mss. Chantal Ladkani (NDU), Prize: US$200; their mechanical engineering programs, may or may not Third: Mr. Wael Bou Ajram (AUD). qualify to establish ASME chapters on their campuses. Mr. Deepan Kishore Kumar from BPU won an all-expenses The fact that NDU has had its ASME Chapter for more than paid trip to participate in the Old Guard Presentation fi- 12 years now, and the fact that it is one of very few univer- nals, which will be held at the International Mechanical En- sities in Lebanon to possess such a Chapter is a testimony gineering Congress and Exhibition (IMECE) in San Diego, to the rank and stature that our Department has attained. California, U.S.A., next November. Moreover, given that, for the third time, NDU was selected to host the SPDC, it goes to show that NDU stands tall 2) The Old Guard Poster Competition among many universities in much bigger countries in the In this event, students were required to demonstrate their Middle East and North Africa (a region the ASME com- ability to deliver clear and lucid visual presentations by monly designates as District J), which competed for the treating a mechanical engineering topic, using illustrations same role, i.e., to host the SPDC. and diagrams. The rankings were as follows: The SPDC involves a series of activities and competitions First: Mr. Noel El-Khazen (AUB). Prize: US$300; for students to show and further develop their engineer- Second: Mr. Adib Fares (NDU); ing skills. Students from countries in District J as well as from many universities in Lebanon converged to NDU to Third: Mr. Zafer Rustom (AUB). participate in six competitions for two full days: the 25th 3) The Rapid Design Challenge and 26th of May, 2013. Attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. In this event, students were required to determine briefly Michel Hayek, the Chairperson of the Department of Me- and realistically the solution to a real-life problem. The chanical Engineering, Dr. Ghazi Asmar, and two Depart- challenge was intended to test not just the creativity of ment Faculty members, Dr. Najib Metni and Dr. Charbel students but also how well and how quickly they were Bou-Mosleh, the opening ceremony, which took place on able to deal with a real problem from the industry. The the morning of the 25th, saw also the participation of rankings were as follows: students from Rafic Hariri University (RHU); The American First: Mr. BaraÊa Habli, Mr. Ayman Hammoud, and Mr. Ab- University of Beirut (AUB); Bits-Pilani University (BPU); The del Rahman Kaskas, all from RHU, Prize: US$200; American University of Dubai (AUD); Masdar Institute of Second: Mr. Wael Bou Ajram (AUD) and Mr. Nadim Humeir Technology (MIT); and, of course, NDU. (MI), Prize: US$100; Being above all a conference for students and by students, Third: Mr. Georges Younes and Mr. Samer Zahran, both the ASME committee at NDU meticulously organized the from NDU. SPDC. Its members are: Mr. Rudy el-Khoury, Mr. Hicham el- Hayek, and Mr. Theodor Haddad. These competitions began 4) The Mechatronics Competition immediately following the opening ceremony. The Faculty In this event, students were challenged to come up with a members present acted in the capacity of judges, deciding circuit design with limited resources and in a short period. on the ranking of the contestants in all competitions. The rankings were as follows:

27 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

First: Mr. Georges Younes and Mr. Samer Zahran, both hicle had to be able to negotiate obstacles during its back from NDU, Prize: US$300; and forth trip to the inspection area, and had to be ready Second: Mr. Ahamad Tarraf and Mr. Salah al-Deen Al-Ja- to repeat the mission upon its return to its starting point. mal, both from RHU, Prize: US$200; The rankings of the teams were as follows: Third: Mr. Michael Kattoura (AUB). First: Mr. Salim Younes and Mr. Jamil Riachy, both from NDU, Prize: US$800plus an all-expenses paid trip to the 5) The Impromptu Competition IMECE to participate in the finals; In this event, groups of students were asked to build, in- Second: Mr. Wissam Bejjani and Mr. Georges Chahine, place, a glider made of wire of different materials provided both from NDU. Prize: US$300; to them before the start of the competition such as bal- Third: Mr. Joseph Mikhael and Mr. Etienne Ghannoum, loons, straws, tape, etc. The objective was for the glider both from NDU, Prize: US$100. to fly the longest distance while carrying a currency coin. The SPDC concluded with a gala dinner during which priz- The winners, receiving US$100 were: es were distributed in an atmosphere of sportsmanship. Mr. Joseph Saad, Ms. Merya Zgheib, Mr. Michael Kattoura, Faculty members, including the Dean, and more than 50 and Mr. Noel el-Khazen, all from AUB, in addition to Mr. students attended the dinner. Daniel Haddad, an NDU alumnus. In short, it was a memorable weekend. Our hope is for NDU to remain at the forefront of other universities known 6) The Student Design Competition for their support of engineering students and the discipline In this event, a team of students was required to design a of engineering, in general, through playing host to activi- remote-controlled vehicle for inspection purposes. The ve- ties and conferences such as the SPDC.

„Student Design Competition‰ participants. One of the designed vehicles.

Mr. Wissam Fares, an NDU graduate, showcasing his Formula SAE car, which he designed as part of his senior project.

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FH

NDU Literature Students in Greece Prof. Naji OUEIJAN

Prof. Naji Oueijan, Full Professor of British Literature in the DETE, Faculty of Humanities, at Notre Dame University- Louaize (NDU) and Joint President of the International By- ron Society, accompanied four of his Literature students · Ms. Stephanie Baroud, Ms. Rita Bou Khalil, Ms. Myriam Iliovits, and Ms. Lara el-Mekawi · to the 8th Internation- al Student Conference organized by the Research Byron Center in Messolonghi, Greece, from May 27-31, 2013. The theme of the conference was „ByronÊs Years of Fame.‰ Ms. Baroud made a presentation titled, „Lord Byron and Prof. Naji Oueijan presenting his paper. Greek Mythology,‰ Ms. Bou Khalil talked about „Byron and Beauty: His Eastern Female Characters,‰ Ms. Iliovits presented a paper titled „Eastern Superstitions in ByronÊs Prof. Peter Graham, „Again, for a wonderful group of The Giaour,‰ and Ms. El-MakawiÊs paper was „Lord ByronÊs new Byronists and young friends! As I've said other times, Eastern Byronic Hero.‰ your generosity and goodness as teacher shines through Ms. El-MekawiÊs critical-research paper was rated first by your students. Poli agapi spiti sas.‰ well-known Byron scholars in the conference, which stu- Prof. Stephen Minta, „Your students are a remarkable dents from America, Canada, and European countries at- tribute to you and to their university, and to Lebanon. Very tended. All four students were exemplary in exposing the bright, very sociable, intellectually poised, and they con- high educational standards of NDU. This is evident in the tributed a very great deal to the success of the conference. commendation letters sent by Prof. Peter Graham, Prof. Do give them all my best wishes and say that I am happy Peter Myrian, and Prof. Stephen Minta, all well-known to keep in touch with them, should they ever need help Byron scholars and organizers of the academic program or advice.‰ of the conference (see below). Prof. Oueijan has always Prof. Peter Myrian, „Thank you Naji! I want you to know insisted on such involvement of NDU students in inter- that I was impressed by the quality level of your students, national activities to promote NDU image and reputation very mature and dedicated. I thoroughly enjoyed them and in the world and to encourage students to become more I hope they continue their studies with the same intensity. involved in research and genuine scholarship (kindly see Lara and Steffi were very good for their level of knowledge parts of the studentsÊ reports). as were Myriam and Rita.‰

The Beginning of a Journey Lara el-MEKKAWI

During the last week of May, 2013, Rita Bou Khalil, Steph- anie Baroud, Miriam Iliovits, and I were lucky enough to accompany Prof. Naji Oueijan to attend a conference in the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Greece. The five days we spent in this city have certainly been the best and most educational of our time. The purpose of our visit was to attend the 8th International Student Lord Byron Confer- Lara el-Mekawi presenting her paper.

29 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

ence titled „Lord Byron and Years of Fame.‰ The con- way these senior professors conducted themselves. I saw ference took place in the Lord Byron Research Center in in them what I hoped my career would become. Messolonghi, where Byron breathed his last, supporting Apart from the scholars, the local populace provided much the Greeks against the Ottomans. Lord Byron was an avid information about not only the language but also the advocate of the Greek in their War of Independence and Greek culture and history. On one evening, we were invit- remains up to this day a heroic figure to all Greeks and Ar- ed to have dinner with local friends of Prof. Oueijan. Their menians. The town is currently a shrine, commemorating generosity and fellowship made us all feel at home. They represent role models of Greek hospitality and culture. Lord ByronÊs great assistance and friendship to this nation. The history and nature of Messolonghi added a new di- The Byron Research Center, also called the Byron House, is mension to my educational development during this trip. full of documents and works on and by Lord Byron. Hav- The walls that surround the town tell the story of the hard- ing to present our papers in such a center seemed quite ships its inhabitants suffered during the war. One quickly intimidating. With the presence of notable professors from sees what motivated Lord Byron and so many other Euro- many countries, international students with similar inter- peans to fight for its liberation. Besides, the town repre- ests to ours, and locals who have a great understanding sents a Romantic poetÊs haven, with its clear and sparkling lagoons and its clear bright sky. of Byronic studies, I couldnÊt help but feel nervous and Our visit to Messolonghi and our participation in the scared. But, as soon as I got up to present my paper, all my conference have been a life-changing experience. With fears evaporated, and there I stood confidant and enjoying every passing minute, we felt our educational horizons my presentation. Besides, being able to successfully an- expanding. The end of the week was bittersweet, as we swer questions during the conference was as educational did not want the conference to end, but we needed to as writing the paper itself. One does not know oneÊs ca- return home. We had all learned so much and letting go pabilities until one stands in a hot spot. I can honestly say of such an amazing adventure was certainly difficult. We will always have pleasant memories of Messolonghi and that my confidence level increased immensely because of its conference, thanks to our University, NDU, and to Prof. the conference. The daily talks we engaged in with distin- Naji Oueijan, who organized this amazing trip. This confer- guished professors were incredible. As an undergraduate, ence, hopefully, is just the beginning of my and my col- I was humbled yet grew ambitious by simply observing the leaguesÊ academic journey.

A Journey to a Sacred Town in Greece Rita Bou KHALIL

It was a privilege for the students of NDU to participate in his last on April 19, 1824. After the wreath-laying ceremo- the "8th International Student Byron Conference" from ny, we visited the Garden of Heroes, where the statue of 26-31 May, 2013, at Messolonghi, Greece, during which Lord Byron and other Greek and European martyrs stand my classmate Lara Mekawi won best presented paper in to tell the history of the Greek Revolution against the Otto- the conference. On May 27, after the opening ceremony mans. We also visited one of the famous traditional tailorÊs of the conference, my colleagues and I met scholars and in Greece and were given the opportunity to wear some students from different countries. We then visited the Mu- Greek traditional costumes. On May 30, the last day of the seum of Messolonghi where its mayor greeted and wel- conference, students and professors from different univer- comed us. Later, Mrs. Rosa Floru, President of the Mes- sities and countries presented their papers, which enriched solonghi Byron Society, invited us to dinner in one of the our educational background. In the evening, members of finest restaurants in the town. On May 28, we presented the Messolonghi Byron Society and all conference partici- our papers in the presence of several journalists from the pants enjoyed a traditional Greek dinner and dance in our town in addition to professors and students from around hotel. This great educational week will tickle our minds the world. and hearts for years to come, thanks to the Department Fortunately, our high level of education impressed the au- of English, Education and Translation at the Faculty of dience. On May 29, we, in addition to all the participants, Humanities and a special thanks to Professor Naji Oueijan were given a guided tour of the site where Byron breathed who made this trip possible.

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A Week in Heaven on Earth Stephanie BAROUD

Visiting Greece was a life-changing experience for me. Not only did it give me the opportunity to meet people from all around the world, especially those who share my field of interest, but it also changed my view of scholarly life. I felt connected to this historic land, and in a way, I also felt the reality of Lord Byron. Our first stop in Greece was Athens, where we visited the Acropolis, one of the sites that inspired Byron during his life. Later, we embarked on the long drive to Messolonghi with Prof. Peter Myrian, a colleague of our Prof. Naji Oueijan. Prof. Myrian shared with us some of the histories of the places we passed and taught us some basic Greek words that I found very inter- esting and helpful during my stay. Green was the domi- Lara el-Mekawi and Stephanie Baroud in local Greek costumes. nant color during our ride, for even though the roads and houses very much resembled what we have here in Leba- non; nature is much more preserved in Greece. We arrived with international professors and students, we also got to at Theoxenia Hotel, which is situated next to beautiful la- hear their different points of view on Lord Byron's years goons and Tourlida beach; the place looked like heaven on of fame, which I found very rewarding. Here, I have to earth from the balcony of my room. acknowledge the efforts of our NDU professors, especially The lectures and presentations were the best part of the Prof. Naji Oueijan, and the rich academic program they put trip. Not only did we get the chance to share our work together for us to become scholars.

Excited at the Opportunity Myriam Silonie ILIOVITS

When Prof. Naji Oueijan first told my classmates and me about the International Student Conference in Missolong- hi, Greece, we were excited at the opportunity presented to us. Our excitement multiplied, when we arrived there and realized that the place is one of the most beautiful places on earth and that the people there are hospitable and kind; they made us feel at home. Then, we met in- ternational professors and students participating in the conference. Knowing them was an honor and a pleasure as we heard insightful and impressive presentations that taught us a lot not only about Lord Byron but also about our educational standards and ourselves. Definitely, stand- ing up in front of such great minds and addressing them was one of the most significant moments of our academic life. This conference has been the experience of a lifetime, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to par- ticipate in it, thanks to NDU, the Department of English, Translation, and Education, and to Prof. Naji Oueijan, who organized this event „Garden of Heroes,‰ Messolonghi.

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FLPS

CSR Begins at Home! FLPS Students Approach Total for CSR on Campus

Inspired by the presence of a Total gas station and car wash agement of the global energy giant Total in Lebanon and on the Main Campus at Notre Dame University-Louaize the companyÊs CSR representative for the MENA region. (NDU), students and lecturers at The Faculty of Law and Additional ideas for CSR on campus at NDU were also generated during the Beirut conference. These included Political Sciences (FLPS) presented their suggestions from corporate initiatives in the area of financial services, to- March 18-19, 2013, to the Arab world at the „Third An- gether with the Business Faculty, and the current Fair Trade nual MENA-wide Conference on Corporate Social Respon- project, which the Political Science Department has been sibility (CSR).‰ working on since 2003 with Dr. Hasan Younes, a Market- ing Instructor. Fair Trade recently played a roll, along with The focus of the presentation was on road safety, respon- CSR and social entrepreneurship, at a UNESCO conference sible use of energy, and sustainable transportation policies. on youth and business, in which students from the FLPS Those attending the NDU presentation included the man- participated

NDU students present their proposal for a CSR project.

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Carlos Edde: “Single Member Electoral Districts” The FLPS Holds 5th Lecture in its „Electoral Reform Series‰

The Faculty of Law and Political Sciences (FLPS) held its fifth lecture in its „Electoral Reform Series‰ on April 19, 2013, by hosting Mr. Carlos Edde, President of the Leba- nese National Bloc. Mr. Edde presented to the mostly student audience his proposal for electoral reform by sharing his opinion that Single Member Electoral Districts is the best electoral sys- tem a pluralistic country such as Lebanon should follow. According to Mr. Edde, this is the only way to change the political class in Lebanon and to move the country forward while ensuring significant representation for all sectarian groups. He also argued that such a system would help solve other major problems that plague Lebanon such as clientelism, feudalism, and oligarchy. Mr. Edde presented his plan for the division of the districts while acknowledging that the plan manages to provide a high level of representation; however, an imperfect one given that most Lebanese regions are religiously hetero- geneous. He, thus, encouraged students, teachers, and all parties interested to enter into a competition organized by his party and to suggest a better division of districts· a distribution that may one day result in a system that is more representative of LebanonÊs demographics; thereby, opening the way for future reforms and rescuing Lebanon Mr. Carlos Edde. from its current reality.

Mr. Carlos Edde speaking to students.

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Musa Dagh Genocide Survivors from Anjar and NDU Climb Resistance Mountain

Austrian novelist Franz WerfelÊs The Forty Days of Musa mountain‰ and fought off wave upon wave of brutal Ot- Dagh is a stirring and epic novel based on true events of the toman military attacks. Ultimately, the French navy saved successful Armenian defense against the Ottoman govern- the Armenians after 56 days. Werfel turned the 56 days ment's systematic extermination of its minority Armenian into 40 to lend this event a Biblical feel. subjects in 1915. Musa Dagh (Mt. Moses) was the point The idea to climb Musa Dagh came from international of their departure. Inspired by his heroic saga, students conflict transformation NGO, Initiatives of Change (IofC); and lecturers from NDU and Haigazian University, along it was organized with the support of the students and lec- with scouts from Anjar (some of them direct descendants turers of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences (FLPS), from the seven villages surrounding Musa Dagh) traveled the Armenian Scouts, and the Lebanese hiking club, Liban to what is now the Turkish province of Hatay, during this Trek. Emphasis was placed on the successful Armenian re- yearÊs Eastern Orthodox Easter break (May 2- 5, 2013). sistance itself, the role of Werfel in making bringing this Musa Dagh is located on the coast, only a few miles story to a global reading audience, and the alternative his- from the historical Christian city of Antioch, present-day torical research methods, i.e. Sven LindquistÊs Dig Where Antakya. During the early months of the Genocide, the Ar- You Stand, used to study this event. Funding came from menians of Musa Dagh withdrew to the top of their „holy the NDU Student Affairs Office, IofC, and private donors.

Reaching the top of Musa Dagh on Easter Sunday. Lighting 56 candles to symbolize the 56 days of resis- tance.

Making an Armenian Cross on top of Musa Dagh for Sunday service.

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Forgiveness is the Key! Political Science and Psychology Join Hands to Deal with War- Related Trauma

Originally from Allepo, Syria, Prof. Ani Kalayjian, a psychol- ogist, therapist, and trainer, working in New York, U.S.A, knows firsthand how protracted conflicts and civil war can lead to deep-seated conflicts. Thanks to the initiative of Dr. Maral Boyadjian, an instructor in the Psychology Program at the Faculty of Humanities, as Prof. Ani Kalayjian, delivering a full-day training session at NDU. well as through the support of both the FLPSÊ Political Sci- ence Department and HumanitiesÊ SBS Department, NDU students and lecturers were able to enjoy a full-day intro- world. Her method has been used in protracted conflicts duction on May 14, 2013, to the role of personal and col- in West Africa and other regions. During the afternoon, lective forgiveness in the conflict transformation process. participants applied the principle to their own lives in rec- Prof. Kalayjian spent the first half of the day introducing ognition that personal change can lead to societal change, the role of forgiveness from a theoretical perspective and along the lines of Mahatma GandhiÊs famous quote, „Be illustrated her lecture, using case studies from around the the change you want to see in the world!‰

Pentecost Event on Saints and Politics at the FLPS

In honor of the „Year of Faith,‰ as declared by Supreme Pontiff Emeritus Benedict XVI, and commemorating Pen- tecost, or the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences (FLPS) organized a panel discussion on May 20, 2013, in collaboration with the Council of Research in Values and Philosophy (CRVP). Discussion focused on the role the Holy Spirit played in the lives of political leaders across his- tory. Examples were taken primarily from the 20th century but also from previous periods in history. Emphasis was (from left): Dr. Georges Labaki and Dr. Edward Alam. placed on the struggle for social justice, freedom, and the sanctity of the family. cused to two individuals who were beatified because of · Dr. Edward Alam, Director of the CRVP, presented an ex- among other things ·their struggle against fascism, Franz planation for the role of the Holy Spirit in politics. Georges Labaki, FLPS, dealt with the role of political saints through- Jägerstätter in Germany and Giorgio La Pira in Italy. He also out the history of the church. Dr. Elie el-Hindy introduced dealt with the recent attempts to beatify the father of the both Thomas More, the patron saint of politicians, who European Union, Robert Schuman. The CRVP and the FLPS gave his life for his faith, during the early years of the intend to organize a series on the topic of the Holy Spirit Reformation, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, a youth activist in in politics, along with events in following years to com- Italy during the 1920s. Dr. Eugene Sensenig-Dabbous fo- memorate Pentecost.

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FNAS

Training of National Stakeholders on the Biosafety Clearing House Dr. Elsa SATTOUT

The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) or- ganized a training workshop in February, 2012, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Hussein Hajj Hassan, Lebanese Minister of Agriculture, and in the presence of Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU President. The workshop was aimed at building capacity for effective participation in the Bi- (from left): Dr. Jean Pierre el-Asmar, FAAD Dean, Dr. George Eid, FNAS Dean , Dr. Assaad Eid, VPSRD, and part of the audience. osafety Clearing House (BCH), and using it as a tool for the effectual implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). Upon the request of members of the National Biosafety Committee (NBC), the workshop was organized and de- signed with the following objectives: • revisit the CPB and the National Biosafety Framework (NBF) for Lebanon; • introduce the scope of the BCH, and stress its value for the implementation of the CPB; and • strengthen national capacities of national competent au- thorities and national stakeholders involved in the imple- (from left): Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU President, Dr. Hussein Hajj mentation of the CPB and the NBF. Hasasn, Lebanese Minister of Agriculture, and Mr. Souheil Matar, The NBF for Lebanon was further developed in 2005 in VP Cultural Affairs & Public Relations. parallel to the various activities undertaken under the UNEP-GEF project; a project managed by the United Na- tions Development Programme (UNDP) and the Lebanese Ministry of Environment (MOE), and executed by the IB- SAR at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The NBF capitalized on various sources of information, starting with the review of the content of the CPB, and the review of the NBF framework of different countries. At the national level, the existing draft capitalized on several local docu- ments and events, including the following: • the surveys conducted during the first phase of the pro- ject; • the feedback from various workshops conducted within the scope of the project; Dr. Elsa Sattout, CPB Re- Miss. Lara Samaha, Head of • the minutes of meetings held with stakeholders from dif- gional Advisor, FNAS-NDU. Ecosystems Department-MOE & CPB Focal Point. ferent Lebanese ministries and institutions, and: • the draft of the Lebanese Food Safety Law developed un- der the leadership of the Ministry of Economy and Trade and the American University of Science and Technology (MOET). (AUST). The workshop was designed with plenary sessions, inter- The focus of both the CPB and members of the NBC led to active modules, and hands-on exercises on specific cases the deposit of its instrument of accession to the CPB to the from around the world. Attending the workshop were Convention on Biological Diversity on February 6, 2013, representatives from the MOE; Ministry of Agriculture; the and became the 165th Party to the Protocol on May 7, Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI); Ministry of 2013 (accessible online at: http://bch.cbd.int/protocol/ Economy and Trade (MOET); AUB; the Lebanese University; e-doc/?news=92189).

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Second Year Celebration Event of the IDB at NDU Merging the Arts & Sciences to raise awareness on the importance of cultural landscapes Dr. Elsa SATTOUT (event organizer and concept designer)

For the second consecutive year, the initiative launched by through design and photography competitions to invite the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) to cele- students to learn more about the importance of cultural brate the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) cu- landscapes and the role we play in shaping our natural mulated in a ceremony held on May 22, 2013, under the and built environments. The competitions were launched patronage of Dr. Joseph Kreidi, representing Dr. Hamed al- in November, 2012, in close partnership with the Faculty Hammami, UNESCO Regional Office Director in Beirut, and of Architecture, Art & Design (FAAD) and the Faculty of in the presence of Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU President. The Engineering (FE). Orientation sessions for those participat- ceremony served as a platform to announce the winners ing in the poster competitions were held from January to and open the exhibition of photos, design, and posters April, 2013. related to cultural landscapes. A series of lectures ran from May 20-27, 2013. The topics The aim of this initiative was to cultivate participatory prac- included: tices, bringing together students and lecturers to work in • „Cultural Landscapes‰ by Dr. Leon Telvizian (Lebanese union on a special theme through the sharing of knowl- University); edge centered on the importance of protecting biological • „World Heritage Convention and Cultural Landscapes‰ diversity in the context of the existing close relationship by Dr. Pierre-Marie Tricaud (ICOMOS International Ex- between ecological and social systems. The interactions pert, France); between both these systems form what we term „Cultural • „Wadi Qannoubine World Heritage Site‰ by Mrs. Samar Landscapes.‰ Cultural Landscapes embrace a diversity of Karam (Department of Antiquities-Ministry of Culture); manifestations of the interaction between humankind and • „Geopark As A Tool For Sustainable Management‰ by our natural environment, as defined by the UNESCO World Mrs. Soumaya Ayadi-Maasri (African Geoprak Network Heritage Convention. in Lebanon); and One approach, aimed at widening studentsÊ vision and • „The Contested Cultural Landscape of a Lebanese Bor- strengthening their problem-solving and critical thinking der Town: MarjaÊayoun‰ by Dr. Christine Mady. skills, was through a poster competition that encouraged For more information, please visit the following websites: them to adopt interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary ap- http://www.ndu.edu.lb/IDB13/Index.htm proaches. Another concept was to use artistic expressions http://www.cbd.int/idb/2013/celebrations/lb/

(from left): Fr. Walid Moussa, Dr. Joseph Kreidi, Dr. Elsa Sattout, and Dr. George Eid, cutting the ribbon to officially open the exhibition

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The exhibition hall.

Winners Category I: Existing and Potential World Heritage Sites 1st Prize: Ms. Haneen Khadaj, Ms. Marianne Khalaf, and Ms. Marianne Kortbani 2nd Prize: Mr. Joseph Hajal and Mr. Naji Sadaka 3rd Prize: Mr. Lateef Abboud and Mr. Georges Mounayar Category II: Impact of Construction Sector and Restoration Practices 1st Prize: Ms. Theresa Chidiac and Mr. Elie Hobeika 2nd Prize: Mr. George Hamoush and Mr. Michel Hamoush 3rd Prize: Mr. Julien Merheb, Mr. Leba Zrour, Mr. Jonnhy Saber, and Mr. Tony Sarkis Design Competition 1st Prize: Ms. Suzane Aboul Hesn 2nd Prize: Ms. Carla Hage 3rd Prize: Ms. Gina Saleh Photography Competition 1st Prize: Mr. Tony Faysal 2nd Prize: Mr. Majed Michael 3rd Prize: Ms. Jinane Abi Khalil

Fr. Walid Moussa at the lectern delivering a speech to an attentive audience.

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Regenerative Medicine: The future of Personalized Medicine FNAS-Faculty Lecture Series Committee

Dr. Michael Leek.

Dr. Michael Leek gave a lecture at Abou Khater Audito- to extract and bank these cells for willing individuals in or- rium, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Main Campus der to preserve the cells capacity to heal and differentiate. titled „Very Small Embryonic Like Stem Cells: the Future Stem cells are considered the future of personalized medi- of Personalized Medicine,‰ which will hopefully serve as cine for their well-known potential to differentiate into a wake-up call on the importance of regenerative therapy. different type of cells. Scientists, therefore, will no longer The lecture was held on Tuesday May 28, 2013. consider the creation of new organs or treating cancer an Dr. Leek, a pioneer in regenerative medicine, introduced issue. The collection procedure is very simple and painless, a new technology in stem cell extraction from adult pe- it consists of a simple blood sample taken from the arm. ripheral blood called Oristem a product of Pharmacells. In all, an 80-ml blood sample is taken and sent to the U.K. Stem cells are the building blocks of life, and these cells for processing and banking for 20 years. Anyone aged 12 are essential to the body to help it repair damaged areas. and above can now preserve their stem cells. Dr. Leek presented the new discovery of what we term Many trials are being launched to validate the use of these Very Small Embryonic Like Stem Cells (VSEL), a new type VSELs in the treatment of heart diseases, Multiple Sclero- of stem cells, circulating in large numbers in the human sis, Leukemia, AlzheimerÊs, and many other diseases. blood. Dr. Leek explained the pluripotent nature of these stems cells, which enables them to differentiate into 200 At the end of the presentation, Dr. Leek answered all ques- types of cells such as liver, cardiac, nervous, blood, etc., tions related to this new technology and to cell therapy. and went on to explain the importance of isolating and Oristem Lebanon, which represents Pharmacells in Leba- storing them in banks while a person is young and healthy non, offered a 20 percent discount for all NDU staff and in order to use them for future treatment. students willing to preserve their stem cells for future ther- VSELs are found circulating in large numbers in the hu- apeutic use. man blood, and studies have shown that as we age or Finally, the members of the Committee acknowledge Mrs. become sick, the number of these cells tends to decrease. Norma Freiha for establishing the connection with Oris- This biological process led Oristem to launch a new service tem, the hosting company.

(from left:) Mrs. Rima el-Helou, Pharmacells, Dr. Geroge Eid, View of the audience. Dean, FNAS, Dr. Colette Kabrita, Chairperson, FNAS, and Dr. Elsa Sattout,Chair-FNAS/FLSC.

39 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Facelift of Dumps Normandy Dumpsite: Figs 1 and 2: Work in progress Land Reclamation ENS 430 Solid Waste Management: Instructor Dr. Layla Khalaf-Kairouz Lourdes SALAMEH

Solid Waste Management is all about techniques and methods used to manage Phase II: solid waste. In an attempt to see where our country stands in terms of manag- The excavation and sorting out of the ing and handling waste, the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) waste into recyclable and non-recycla- invited guest speakers to give a talk on Friday, April 9, 2013, at Notre Dame ble categories. University-Louaize (NDU). • Tires were shredded after recovering Mr. Ramy Nassif, Mechanical Engineer and Consultant at Solidere, accompa- the ferrous materials inside, before nied by Mr. Mostapha Saleh, SolidereÊs Project Manager, described the Nor- these were shipped off site to be mandy site project, which was once used as a garbage dump. landfilled outside Beirut; From 1975-1993, the Normandy site witnessed uncontrolled waste dumping, • The fine aggregates or particles <300- which spread along the coastline and miles into the sea. The site extends over mm were classified as stockpiles; a surface area of 330,000-m2. It had been in operation for more than 17 years • The plastics were given away (sold without regard to its devastating impact on the marine ecosystem, without to special facilities for recycling) and regard to its complete lack of on-site safety, and without regard to its long- a small portion went to landfilling; term damage to the local community. The Normandy site is located near Beirut • The organic waste was processed Central District (BCD), or Downtown Beirut, which is the cityÊs most expensive into compost and land farming quarter. Given this fact, Solidere decided to rehabilitate the site. products by LTTD (Low Thermal Tem- The process consisted of unearthing the landfill, beginning with sorting and perature Desorption«temperature physically or biologically treating the existing waste, then recovering suitable materials to be used for back filling a reclaimed area. An estimated amount of between 150-450 degree Celsius); 5 million-m3 of miscellaneous material, consisting of fill, plastics, rocks, demo- • Military personnel retrieved scraps lition debris was excavated, of which 2.5 million-m3 were well below 18-m from the Lebanese civil war (i.e. bur- under sea! The project was divided to two phases, which were: ied tanks).; • Stones were crushed and used as Phase I: filling material; • Area: 9 ha; • Medical waste was shipped to be • Excavation to sea bed: incinerated. - Inert material was backfilled in Phase I; To sum up, the treatment methods - Waste material was stockpiled; adopted in this project were mainly: - The total quantity of waste material was 5 million-m3. • High TOC –for composting; • LTDD-for composting also; • Incineration; • Landfilling; • Backfilling. Today, the Normandy site consists of financial and commercial centers, modern residential buildings, cultural and recreational facilities, a public park, and a promenade along the sea- side. (see Figs.3 and 4) For more information, visit: http://www. Figs. 3 and 4: Normandy Location hydromar-sal.com/normandy.html

40 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

Cleaning Up the Dirt: Treating and Landfilling Roy ZINATI ENS 430 Solid Waste Management Instructor: Dr. Layla Khalaf-Kairouz

ENS430: Solid Waste Management is a senior course of- fered by the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) for Environmental Science majors at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) and serves as an elective for non- majors. The course deals with the various ways of manag- ing solid waste whether through a physical, chemical, or biological approach. In this respect, field trips are organ- ized for students to visit various facilities in the country such as recycling plants and landfills. The headquarters of Sukleen in Quarantina-Beirut were visited, along with the composting plant Sucomi and the landfill in Nehmeh. An- other landfill in the city of Zahle was also visited:

Sukleen: Sukleen visit. • International company – Averda IntÊ (U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, K.S.A.); • Subdivisions: • Hazardous waste containing HM are sent to other com- pany (bi2atouna); • Waste impact on environment: (a) air pollution (b) ma- rine pollution (c) odors. Karantina Sorting and Composting (SUKOMI): • Sorting: 1. Loading waste in big machine. 2. Removing bulky waste. 3. Separating organic waste to another industry. • Sukleen: city cleaning and waste collection/ Sukomi: 4. Manual and automatic separation. waste treatment/ Servicorp: service provider/ Leeds: recy- • Composting: cling industrial design and fabrication; 1. Use of aerobic composting in the plant. • Working 24/7 with greater percent area in Mount Leba- non; Naameh Sanitary Landfill • Sweeping and collection ­ mechanical and manual; • It is being upgraded for ISO certification; • Sorting plant ­ mechanical and manual; • The waste is delivered to Naameh from Sukleen as baled; • Waste types: (1) Green waste (2) Recyclables (3) Rejects (non-recyclable waste) (4) Bulky items; • Once at Naameh Landfill, waste is unbaled to reduce the • 14% other wastes, 29% potentially recyclables, 57% volume occupied in the landfill; green waste for houses; • Waste is compacted before being disposed in the landfill; • Sorting: (a) conveyor belt (b) magnetic separator (remov- • Geo-membranes are placed between residual wastes be- ing metals, tins, etc.) fore the final closure; • Curing: 11 piles (aerobic composting) / turning and fer- • Liners consist of clay, sand, and gravel layer in order to mentation of piles; protect ground water contamination; • Compost: tested in labs to be redistributed to farmers; • Methane gas produced in landfill is collected by pipes.

41 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

ZAHLE LANDFILL • Supported by the World Bank; • Has advanced and automated sorting techniques: 1. Tipping floor. 2. Sorting. 3. Pad for composting. 4. Landfilling. 5. Gases control and flaring. • Average of 160T/d ­ winter and 190 – 200T ­ summer. • Wastes are mixtures of organic and in- ert types. • Has the first building in Lebanon to re- cycle pharmaceutical waste; • Tipping floor: calculating net weight of trucks; • Bulky material is removed from the start, then processed according to ma- terial; Nehmeh landfill visit. • Pre-sorting: remove large cartons and they get recycled or baled; • Laborers manually filling material it in the hopper; • Conveyor belt to carry, transport trash; • Distribution of trash into compart- ments: plastic/ glass; • Two types of magnetic machines are used: (1) Electromagnetic, which has an ON/OFF button (low-cost mainte- nance) (2) Permanent magnetic, which runs 24/7, albeit, at a higher opera- tional cost; • After dividing trash is recycled; • Clothes and diapers are not used in landfills. The Zahle landfill is a well-functioning solid waste management and recovery facility. The process of waste separation is well organized and the notion of recy- cling as much waste as possible is a good Zahleh landfill visit. move toward a more sustainable country.

42 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

A Sense for Recycling in Lebanon Nathalie GHORRA ENS 430 Solid Waste Management Instructor: Dr. Layla Khalaf-Kairouz

SICOMO, paper and cardboard ready for recycling.

Field trips in the course ENS 430 Solid Waste Management at the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) were organized with the aim of complementing the theoretical part of the course with a practical approach. We visited two major recycling plants in the country: SICOMO, a pa- per recycling plant in Qab-Elias in the Bekaa, and Recyclo, a plastics recycling plant in Choueifat. SICOMO: Paper Recycling SICOMO is a cardboard (cartons) recycling facility. The company was established in the Bekaa Valley in 1974. The Group photo of the ENS 430 class visiting SICOMO. companyÊs products range from brown and white card- boards to gold and silver laminated metallized board. All products (100%) are made from recycled waste paper. These products are exported to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, however; the biggest share goes to the Mid- dle East. V DATA • SICOMO receives 80 tons of waste per day; • Each of the white and brown board is treated separately; • Stage 1: cartons are shredded and mixed with water; • Stage 2: cartons are completely dried at a temperature of around 200° C; Group photo of the ENS 430 class visiting the Recyclo plant in • Stage 3: cartons are passed through an air-sucking ma- Choueifat. chine to ensure complete dryness and removal of any impurities; Recyclo: Choueifat • Depending on the request of the customer, a machine • Recycling plastics and transparent nylon; coats one side of the carton with white; • Receive 400-420 tons of waste per month; • The last stage is spooling the cardboards into rolls; • Shredding takes place in order to reduce volume; • Dimensions of rolls: Width: 2-cm-176-cm • Plastics are not mixed, due to high- and low-density plas- Diameter: 75-cm, 100-cm, 115-cm tics (HDPE and LDPE); Internal Diameter: 7.6-cm and 10-cm • Two mechanisms take place: 1) Herbold • Cardboard can be used for labels for processed food 2) Bandera cans, milk boxes etc.; • Herbold Mechanism: Manual Sorting • To ensure safety of the workers, a medical doctor is avail- Washing able upon request for any emergency; Drying- 70°C • Brown cardboard costs US$450 while white costs more. • Bandera Mechanism: Melting- 240°C SICOMO is a successful facility, offering high quality prod- Pellets. ucts to an international market and encouraging Lebanese Recycled pellets are used for different recycled end-prod- industry. ucts, excluding food packaging for reasons of hygiene.

43 ACADEMICACADEMIC ANDAND STUDENTSTUDENT ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

FNHS

Nutrition Awareness Campaign: “How Healthy Are You?” Jessy el-HAYEK, Ph.D.; Maya ABOUJAOUDE, MSc

In celebration of the World Health Day on April 7, 2013, the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) organ- ized a three-day nutrition awareness campaign from April 8-10, 2013, under the title of „How Healthy Are You?‰(*) to help NDU community members assess their health and nutritional status, and encourage them to adopt healthier food choices and lifestyles. During the event, FNHS faculty members and nutrition and nursing students volunteered to assess participantsÊ anthropometric and biochemical measurements (measure- ments included height, weight, body composition, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pres- sure). In addition, DiaLeb, a Non-governmental Organization Assessing participantsÊ anthropometric and biochemical measure- (NGO), which is involved in raising diabetes awareness in ments. Lebanon, participated in measuring blood glucose. Brief nutritional consultations followed the different measure- ments, offering tailored advice to each participant. On the first day of the event, founding members of the Lebanese Hypertension League Dr. Abdo Jurjus, Professor, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut (AUB), and Dr. Berberi presented a public seminar on hyperten- sion (theme of the World Health Day 2013). Following the seminar was a session on the preparation of low-sodium (low-salt) foods, which Ms. Maya AbouJaoude, FNHS fac- ulty member, presented. Low-sodium sandwiches were prepared and offered dur- ing the session. Food Engineers, a diet center managed by two FNHS alumni Ms. Maral Taslakian and Ms. Carole Kes- hishian, performed a live cooking session, including tips on DiaLeb representatives jotting down medical data and measuring blood glucose of participants. how to prepare low-fat main dishes and desserts. On the last day of the event, two dietitians, Ms. Perla Har- foush and Ms. Romy Moujaes, presented hot topics on nutrition, including „General Nutrition Guidelines‰ and „Sports Nutrition‰ respectively. The event, ended to the sounds of Latino beats in the form of a Zumba class presented by Ms. Christelle Rahme, a stu- dent at NDU. Rahme and her team captured the attention of participants and encouraged them to participate in the Zumba fever. The event fulfilled its intended objectives: (1) to improve NDU community membersÊ health awareness and (2) to emphasize the importance of health assessment in the prevention of diseases.

Christelle Rahme (in yellow T-shirt) and her team spreading the * The Bank of Beirut sponsored this event. Zumba fever.

44 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

Hypertension: The Silent Killer Public lecture to celebrate World Health Day Dr. Doris JAALOUK

Dr. Abdo Jurjus (speaking) and Dr. Adel Berberi (seated).

On World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, the Most do not realize that they suffer from hypertension Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) hosted a until the illness progresses to a stage that starts causing public lecture on April 8, 2013, highlighting this yearÊs serious health problems. Hypertension, if not treated, may topic: Hypertension (high blood pressure). lead to death due to kidney and/or cardiovascular compli- The guest speakers were: Dr. Adel Birbari, President of the cations such as kidney failure, heart failure, or stroke. Lebanese Hypertension League and Professor of Medicine Though genetic factors/family history are important risk and Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine at AUB, and Dr. Abdo Jurjus, Secretary General of the Lebanese Hyperten- factors of hypertension, environmental factors (unhealthy sion League and Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology and diet, high salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, etc.) Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine at AUB. The lecture are gaining more importance these days as factors that aimed primarily to raise awareness about the causes and increase the risk of hypertension. Consequently, hyperten- consequences of high blood pressure and to promote life- sion is projected to have increasing prevalence among the style changes congruent with reducing risk of the disease. youth due to the consumption of unhealthy foods. Indi- The talk highlighted the seriousness of hypertension, its viduals can lower their risk of hypertension by controlling risk factors, complications, management/treatment, and their body weight, decreasing salt intake, reducing alcohol prevention. consumption to one drink per day, exercising more, and As the speakers noted, hypertension is among the most prevalent chronic adult illnesses worldwide. About one in abstaining from smoking, among other preventive meas- four adults has this condition. Hypertension is known as ures. A final message was conveyed: A well-informed the „silent killer.‰ Millions may have the disease but may person in partnership with a physician can and should take be unaware of it, because they may not have symptoms. an active role in his or her health.

The audience listening attentively.

45 ACADEMICACADEMIC ANDAND STUDENTSTUDENT ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

Nutrition Fair 2013 Dr. Jacqueline DOUMIT

In order to promote health and well-being on campus, the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) celebrated its annual „Nutrition Fair‰ on May 31, 2013. The Fair was organized by NTR 201 students under the supervision of their instructors Dr. Khalil Badaoui, Dr. Jessy el-Hayek, and Dr. Jacqueline Dou- mit, and sponsored by Fitness Nestle, Santiveri, Zaater w Zeit, and Diet Delights. The Fair is designed to help students develop communication, group work, and problem-solving skills, and act as team players and life-long learners. In this regard, NTR 201 students were invited to work in groups on topics relevant to nutrition and health, prepare posters, diffuse nutritional information to NDU members, and offer them healthy foods and beverages. The Fair was both educational and entertaining, and fulfilled its intended objec- tives to promote healthy diets and behaviors, and increase nutrition and health awareness among NDU members: faculty, staff, and students. (from right) Joseph The FNHS also celebrated the „2012 DeanÊs Honor List,‰ and the FacultyÊs dean, Awkar, Tamara Nehme, Dr. Antoine Farhat, distributed certificates to the outstanding students. Con- and Joey Ibrahim. gratulations!

(from right) Bann Haweel, Adel Jalbouth, Jessica Ghazi, Stephanie Baroud, and Dayana el-Masry.

(from right) Stephanie Azar, Dr. Jacque- line Doumit, Dr. Antoine Farhat, Sibelle al- Hayek, Christelle Sakr, Melissa Abs, Angela el-Dahr, Rita Mokbel, Daniella Abi Nahoul, and Stephanie Nohra.

Community Nutrition Students Collaborate with NGOs to Help Raise Nutrition Awareness

Students enrolled during the Spring Semester 2013 in the who live in SOS youth houses and measured their weight, course titled „NTR 330: Community Nutrition‰ collaborat- height, and body fat percentage and assessed their eating ed with local Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) to habits. Further, the community nutrition students offered help raise awareness about multiple nutrition topics. Six- an interactive workshop specifically prepared to meet the teen students divided into four groups participated. needs of SOS adolescents, regarding healthy eating habits. The first group worked with the SOS youth and was With the help of dietician Miss Vanessa Ghoussoub, stu- formed of Melissa Abs, Wafaa Chamoun, Melissa Hage, dents encouraged a change of lifestyle through competi- and Noura Khayralla. The main goal of the SOS is to tions, rewards, and a fitness session. give children without biological parental care an alterna- The second group was formed of Lea Assi, Layal Mashtoub, tive home. The group met with adolescent boys and girls Jemma shidiaq, and Jaafar Jaafar who worked with World

46 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

Vision in cooperation with Karagozian Dispensary in Na- baa that serves women and children in that region. World Vision is engaged to eliminate poverty and its causes through improving the knowledge about multiple health related issues and providing healthcare for women and children. The group met with housewives attending the Karagozian Dispensary and decided upon agreement with the women to target food safety due to the increased in- cidence of food borne illness in Lebanon. The group of students prepared a video with the help of Radio/TV stu- dents, a brochure, and a presentation on the proper man- agement of food during cooking and preparation. The third group was formed of Lea Ayache, Joane Saade, Marianne Saade, and Daniella Abou Nahoul who worked with Dialeb. DialebÊs main goal is to promote healthy life- styles and spread awareness about diabetes to make living with the disease more manageable. Students organized with Dialeb an awareness session about diabetes preven- Ms. Vanessa Ghoussoub during the SOS Workshop tion and management in the municipality of Dekwaneh for people º 40 years. The intervention was designed to increase awareness about the risk factors that lead to dia- met with adolescents and children affected with Thalas- betes, and general guidance about how to manage oneÊs semia. While patients were getting their routine blood diet once diagnosed. Finally, students screened people for transfusions, students engaged in a presentation and age diabetes, and offered the audience free glucose testing appropriate games about healthy eating habits and taught machines. In addition, students prepared pamphlets about the audience how to read nutrition labels. the dietary management of diabetes The participation of students in this project enabled them The last team was formed of Rachelle Hachem, Joane As- to practice the theoretical aspect of class work, and it em- saad, Sacha Haddad, and Jessica Fakhry who worked with powered them to feel that small contributions from their the Chronic Care Center. The center deals with patients side can make a significant difference in the community in suffering from Type I diabetes and Thalassemia. Students which they live.

Jaafar Jaafar, Layal el-Mashtoub, Lea Assi, Jemma Shidiaq, Dr. Jessy Hayek, and World Vision beneficiaries.

Dr. Jackie Kassouf, Lea Ayache, Marianne Saade, Joane Saade, Daniella Abou Nahoul, and organizers of the Dialeb event

47 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

NDU LIBRARIES

"Poetry Month" at NDU Libraries Amine MOUSSA

The month of April is „National Poetry Month‰ in the The jury was composed of the following: Suhail Matar, U.S.A., where schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, NDU Vice-President Cultural Affairs and Public Relations; and poets throughout that nation band together to cel- Edward Alam, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy and General ebrate poetry and its vital place in its culture. NDU Libraries Secretary of the Council for Research in Values and Philos- chose to play a part in this institutional recognition of po- ophy; Amal Malek, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philoso- etry by also organizing at the Main Campus its own „Po- etry Month‰ in April, 2013. phy and Humanities; and Jamil Douaihy, Ph.D., Assistant Throughout April, NDU Libraries highlighted its range of Professor of Arabic Literature. poetry resources for adults and children in various lan- Twelve students and three staff members participated guages: English, Arabic, French, and German. NDU faculty, in the competition. The jury selected Lucas Farah as the students, and staff in all campuses received daily e-mails, winner, and Amanda Rizkallah and Etienne Houayek took profiling great poets from around the world. The e-mails second and third place respectively. Through the support included a short biography of the „Poet of the Day,‰ a se- lection of their work, and a selected bibliography of their of the NDU Sponsorship Office, the three received gift cer- poetry books, along with any available biographical or tificates from Maison Du Ski. The other participants each critical works about their poetry, which are available in the received a selection of poetry books. In addition, the jury NDU Libraries print collections. decided to offer participating students and staff a free po- A Poetry Competition, which took place in the Serials area etry composition class (10 hours worth of lessons) to help of the Mariam and Youssef (Main) Library on Monday, them improve their poetry writing skills. April 29, 2013, closed the Poetry Month event. Many stu- The turnout of NDU community members attending the dents and staff members welcomed the idea to compete and showed great interest in sharing their work in English, event was greater than expected due to the professional- Arabic, or French. A specialized jury was formed to com- ism and dedication of the members of the Ad-hoc Com- ment on the works presented and choose the winners. mittee.

Ad-hoc Committee members for the NDU Libraries Poetry Month Event. (from left): Cecilia Doumit, Amine Moussa [chair], Itab Ebli, Dalal Khalil, and George Mghayyar. Committee member not in this picture: Joyce Draiby.

48 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

}þþÞþ¿—þŸą }þþ¤þ¿v– ŭźƟ žƧƺƫ

ŚƸƬǀÚƴƛ řźÉÉƏŚÉÉƳ ƹ ƽŚÉÉƈÉÉƗÙ řŶÉÉǀÉÉŘÉÉŝÙ ŚƸƬǀŝŚƤƯ ƞÉÉÉƣřƹ ƾƬǀưū řźÉÉưÉÉſ ŚÉÉƸÉÉƬÉÉƿŵřŶÉÉū ƲÉÉƯ ƖƬƐƿ ƮÉÉƗ ƪÉÉǀÉÉ×ƫƹ ŽŚÉÉǀÉÉƯÚ ŚÉÉƷŶÉÉƣÚ ƹ ŠÉÉƤÉÉǀÉÉƃŹƹ ƽƺÉÉƬÉÉů ŚƸƬƿŶƴưŝ ŭƺÉÉÉƬÉÉÉţÚ ƾÉÉƫŚÉÉŞÉÉƣ ƾÉÉÉÉƷƹÚ ŽŚÉÉƴÉÉƫř ƪÉÉÉƧ ƩŚÉÉŞÉÉƣ ƾÉÉÚƴÉÉƛ ŢÉÉƄÉÉÚƬÉÉŝ ŚƸƬǀƄŤŝ ƮÉÉƗ ŭdžÉÉſ ƺÉÉÚƳŐÉÉƨÉÉƫř ƪŤƯ ŽŚÉÉƠÉÉƳǃř žŞŰţ ƽŚÉÉƈÉÉƘÉÉƫřÙ ŠÉÉƗŚÉÉſ ŚƸƬǀưǀŝ ƮÉÉƗ śźƜƬƫ ƹŏ ơźÉÉƄÉÉƬÉÉƫƹ ŽŚƀůŔŝ ƭźŞƿ ƮƗ źƈŴƫř ŠƗŚſ ŚƷŶǀƣŚƴƗ řƹƺŤƀƿ ƮƗ ŚƸŬƷƹ ƲƯƹ ŽřźÉÉƫř ŠƗŚſ źƈŴƫř żƸţ ŠƗŚſ ŚƸƬǀƨƃœ šźƇ ŚƸǀƬƗ ƾţźǀƛ ƲƯƹ ŽŚÉÉŰÉÉƴÉÉƫř ŚÉÉƷŶÉÉƿŐÉÉŝ Úơŵ ŠÉÉÉƗŚÉÉÉſƹ ŚƸƬǀƴŰƿ ƮÉÉƗ ŜŰƫŚŝ ƾÉÉƧŻ źÉÉŞÉÉƧŏƹ ŽřźÉÉŤÉÉƯ ŚÉÉƷźÉÉƈÉÉų ŚÉÉÉƗ ŚÉÉÉƷŹŚÉÉÉÚƳŻ ŚƸƬƿÚŵƺŝ ƾŤſƺŝ ƾưƀƳ ƪÉÉƧ ƖÉÉƯƹ ŽŚŞƴŤŝ ƲƸǀƬƗ ƹ źÉÉưÉÉū řŵƹŶÉÉÉÉų ŚƸƬǀƨŰƿ ƮƗ šŚƿŚƨů ƺŤůźƟ ƲÉÉƯƹ ŽřźÉÉū ƪÉÉŤÉÉƯ ơŶÉÉǀÉÉŝ ƮÉÉƗ ŜÉÉƬÉÉƤÉÉƫřƹ ŚƸƬǀƯ ƹ džŰƧ ƭŚƴǀŝ ŚƸƴƠū ŚÉÉƗƹ ŽŚÉÉưÉÉƫŏ ŚÉÉƸÉÉƳƺÉÉǀÉÉƗƹ ŚÉÉƐÉÉƜÉÉƫř ŚÉÉƃƺÉÉƯŹ ŚƸƬƿƺƌŤŝ ŚƸƫŚŞƣ Ɔƣźƫř ŠůŚſƹ ŽřźÉÉůÚ ŚƸưƀū ŚÉÉƗ Śưƀƫř ƭƺŬƳ Lucas Farah (winner)ȥ ŽřƺƴƫřÚ ƺŝŏ şźưų ƲƯ šźƨſ ŚƯƹ ŽŚÉÉƨÉÉƫř żÉÉƷ źÉÉƈÉÉŴÉÉƫř żÉÉƸÉÉţ ŚÉÉưÉÉƬÉÉƧƹ ŚƸƬǀŝŚƤƯ ƾÉÉŤÉÉƠÉÉƣƹ şźÉÉƨÉÉƀÉÉƫř ŢÉÉƳŚÉÉƧ

Difference Amanda Fouad Rizkallah

What blame does a color hold For its mere existence Why canÊt it be paroled From chains of cruel resistance What harm has faith instilled To deserve affliction When malice has loudly killed The peace in our religion Bias has fogged the vision Like beauty to the blind The self; a deadly prison Captivating the mind What good is a mask of pride On souls tarnished with shame Participants and jury members during the competition What good is humankind If we were all the same May spirits be given a lift To their freest state To see difference as a gift; As a cause to celebrate.

49 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

µþþþ‡—þ€þy þþþݖ wþþÝ ƦƿƺŰƫřÚ ƱŚǀţœ

ƾÉÉÉƴÉÉÉǀÉÉÉţźÉÉÉǀÉÉÉƛƹÚ ƾÉÉÉƴÉÉÉǀÉÉÉŤÉÉÉŞÉÉÉŬÉÉÉƗ ƦÉÉÉŤÉÉÉƟźÉÉÉƗƹ ƦÉÉÉŤÉÉÉƠÉÉÉƃ ƲÉÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉÉƫÚ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉƴÉÉſ ƽźÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉƘÉÉÉÉŝ šŵřŻ ƦÉÉƠÉÉƐÉÉƫ ƾÉÉÉƨÉÉÉǀÉÉÉƟ ƾÉÉÉÉÉƳźÉÉÉÉÉǀÉÉÉÉÉƛÚ ƾÉÉÉÉƴÉÉÉÉǀÉÉÉÉţźÉÉÉÉǀÉÉÉÉůÚ ƦÉÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉÉſŚÉÉÉÉÉŝ ƦÉÉÉưÉÉÉſř ƾÉÉÉÉÉƫƺÉÉÉÉÉƫŚÉÉÉÉÉƣ ŚÉÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉÉƫÚ ƾÉÉÉƴÉÉÉǀÉÉÉŤÉÉÉƴÉÉÉÚƴÉÉÉū ƽƺÉÉÉÉÉƬÉÉÉÉÉů ŚÉÉÉÉÉÉƿ ƦÉÉÉưÉÉÉſŹ ƶÉÉÉŝŚÉÉÉƄÉÉÉǀÉÉÉŝ ƺÉÉÉŤÉÉÉǀÉÉÉƤÉÉÉƫ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉţźÉÉŰÉÉſ ƺÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÚƳœ ƝźÉÉÉÉƘÉÉÉÉŝ ƦÉÉƠÉÉƇ ƪÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉƧÚ ŹŵŚÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉƣ ƂÉÉÉÉÉƯ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉŤÉÉƫŐÉÉſ ŚÉÉÉÉÉƯ ƺÉÉÉÉÉƃ ƦÉÉÉÚƬÉÉÉƤÉÉÉŝ ƦÉÉƠÉÉƈÉÉŝÚ ŽŹŶÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉŝ ƮÉÉÉÉÉƗ ƺÉÉÉÉÉÉƫƹ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉƧŚÉÉŰÉÉţ ƾÉÉÉÉÚƬÉÉÉÉƌÉÉÉÉţ ƼÉÉÉÉŤÉÉÉÉů ƦÉÉƠÉÉƬÉÉų ƂÉÉÉÉƯ ƥŶÉÉÉÉÉÉÉůÚ ŶÉÉÉƘÉÉÉƤÉÉÉŝ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉƀÉÉƴÉÉŤÉÉŝ ŭźÉÉÉÉÉƄÉÉÉÉÉƫřÚ ŢÉÉÉÉÉÉÉƣƹƹ ƦÉÉƠÉÉŤÉÉƨÉÉƗ ƾÉÉÉƠÉÉÉŤÉÉÉƧ ŶÉÉÉÉƴÉÉÉÉƀÉÉÉÉŝƹ ƾÉÉÉƴÉÉÉǀÉÉÉÚŞÉÉÉů ŠÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉƬÉÉÉÉƧ ŜÉÉÉÉŤÉÉÉÉƨÉÉÉÉŝ ƦÉÉƠÉÉŤÉÉƨÉÉƗƹ ŭźÉÉÉÉÉƄÉÉÉÉÉƫřÚ ƼÉÉÉƀÉÉÉƴÉÉÉŝƹ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉƸÉÉƬÉÉŤÉÉŝ ƺÉÉÉÉƃ ƾÉÉÉÉÉÉſŹŵ ƲÉÉÉÉÉƗƹ ƦÉÉÉÉſŹŶÉÉÉÉŝ źÉÉÉÉƐÉÉÉÉƃŏ ƾÉÉÉƤÉÉÉŞÉÉÉŤÉÉÉŝ ƾÉÉÉÉƴÉÉÉÉƿÚŵźÉÉÉÉŤÉÉÉÉţ ƝźÉÉÉÉÉƘÉÉÉÉÉŝ ŚÉÉÉÉÉÉƯ ƦÉÉƬÉÉŞÉÉƣ ƖÉÉÉÉưÉÉÉÉſÚ ƖÉÉÉƬÉÉÉƐÉÉÉŝ ƺÉÉÉÉÉÉÉƫƹ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉƐÉÉůÚ ƦÉÉÉŞÉÉÉƬÉÉÉƤÉÉÉŝ ƾÉÉÉÉÉŤÉÉÉÉÉƳřƹ ƦÉÉŞÉÉƬÉÉƣ ƲÉÉÉÉƗ ŽŹŵœ ƩƹŚÉÉÉÉŰÉÉÉÉŝ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉŰÉÉƿżÉÉţ ŚÉÉÉÉƯ ƦÉÉÉÉÉÉŝŹŵ ƲÉÉÉÉÉƗƹ ƦÉÉÉÉÉŝŹŵ ƖÉÉÉÉŞÉÉÉÉţœ ƾÉÉÉƴÉÉÉǀÉÉÉţźÉÉÉŞÉÉÉū ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉŤÉÉŰÉÉŬÉÉÚ ×Ƴ ŚÉÉÉÉÉÉƯƹ ƾÉÉŤÉÉŰÉÉŬÉÉƳ ƦÉÉŤÉÉƧźÉÉţ ŚÉÉÉÉƯƹ ŽŹŶÉÉÉÉÉÉÉƫřÚ ŢÉÉÉƧźÉÉÉţ ƾÉÉƴÉÉǀÉÉŤÉÉƧźÉÉţ źÉÉÉǀÉÉÉŤÉÉÉƧ ƾÉÉÉÉÉţŶÉÉÉÉÉƗÚ ƦÉÉŤÉÉƠÉÉƃ ŚÉÉÉÉÉÉƯƹ ƾÉÉÉÉŤÉÉÉÉůŹ şŐÉÉÉÉŬÉÉÉÉƟ

The jury (from left): Dr. Edward Alam, Mr. Suhail Matar, Dr. Jamil Douwaihy, and Dr. Amal Malek.

Contestants with Dr. Edward Alam

50 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

PASTORAL OFFICE

Religion at NDU: Education, Challenge, and Joy Fr. Akram KHOURY, Ph.D.

Students attending a talk at the Pastoral Office with Fr. Fady Bou Chebel.

„Good religion teaches us about a good God and encour- – Explaining comprehensively yet simply the practices of ages us to be like Him to the people of the world. Bad Christianity to help students better understand why religion teaches us about a good God and encourages us they are Christians and explaining the reasons why they to look down on the people of the world because they are should not blindly follow the creed if they do not under- not as good as God is.‰ (Harold J Duarte-Bernhardt). stand some of its practices and ceremonies; – Broaching several topics through clear explanations that Sound religious knowledge is imperative in a world filled touch upon symbolic meanings found in the Bible and with youths lost in temptation and constantly fighting Christian celebrations revolving around miracles, rituals, against God and blaming Him for all the problems of the and tradition. universe. No one can teach faith to others; however, reli- Lecturers do not expect their students to become religious gious education can lighten the path to enrich oneÊs faith experts or theologians, rather, they expect them to gather and spiritual maturity. It is for those reasons that Notre enough information and find proper answers, concerning Dame University-Louaize (NDU) is striving to offer its stu- their faith in order to help them continue with their lives dents all the necessary tools to know God and Christianity and stay on the right track. Lecturers play two roles in this regard: First, on an academic level, lecturers ensure that through the help of its diverse course offerings on religion: students apply all the requirements of the course (from From Catholicism, Marriage and Family, and Maronite exams, reading, and attendance, to, most importantly, Studies to all the different social issues related to religion, class participation). Second, lecturers expect students to evidently Christianity. be responsible for transmitting the real teachings of the The varied courses on religion that NDU provides are a Church, especially since student curiosity will lead to sever- significant combination of knowledge that one can read al discussions regarding God, His omnipotent presence for and memorize in a book and the knowledge one can only some, or lack thereof for others. Lecturers must be strict in gain through personal experience and through persistent the academic process, because, regardless of the content, spiritual guidance. religion is a University course like all others, and following To begin with, and speaking from the UniversityÊs vantage the curriculum rigorously is obligatory. point, the academic objectives of these courses do not In addition to the academic features of courses on religion, clash with the profound objectives of bringing students it is important to realize that university students are going closer to God. through a hard transitional phase in their lives. Many are The priests and lecturers teaching the different religious at a crossroads and are either immersed in their chosen courses aim at achieving the following: major, have doubts about the people they fall in and out – Remedying the vague perception of religion that many of love with, or have trouble figuring out who and what of our students have by introducing students to the true to believe in, and whether they should believe in God or concepts of the Church, the Sacred Sacraments, Dog- in any other higher power for that matter. They are on a mas, etc., and setting right certain flawed concepts that continual quest for concrete answers, which is why teach- students might have inherited from society or some fam- ing them the concept of God and goodness of the Church ily members; is crucial at this point in their lives.

51 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

At NDU, moreover, we notice that the typical student who answers and understand concepts on love, faith, peace, enrolls in the REG course register does so for the sake and forgiveness. These courses complement the work of of filling in a time slot, since it is mostly either a gener- the Pastoral Office at NDU and takes faith to another level al requirement (GER) or a free elective without a second entirely. The Pastoral Office is not attendance, it is partici- thought for what the class has to offer. Some students pation. It is not about having classmates, but about building attend and spend their time on their cell phones or use the friendships, a support system, and people who go through time to study for a course in their major, simply because the same difficulties as you, yet who are always present to they are lazy. Others are lost, and are somewhat shy to support and encourage you.‰ raise their hand in the middle of the class due to the in- Another Student’s Opinion: „The Pastoral Office has tense peer pressure that university students experience on helped a lot of people change from being simple passive a daily basis. Others still invest their full energy into learn- human beings to become active living beings, to the point ing as much as they can from these courses given that they where it became a lifestyle in its own right through the have grasped the rudiment of religion but still need that different activities and actions taken. These activities in- little push to complete their religious and spiritual knowl- clude Bible talks, discussions, spiritual retreats and week- edge, and to correct their misguided beliefs. end retreats, summer camps, and fighting one of the hard- Finally, we have others who are atheists, or those who do est battles: being active on campus and organizing special not believe in God and refuse to accept any notion of His events in the face of political clubs and some superficial existence. It must be said here that many of our students ones. The Pastoral Office is a safe haven and a heaven for who call themselves atheists are in fact simply angry with many students in distress, believers and non-believers. It is God and blame Him for all their problems, forgetting the where your peers do not judge you, not because they canÊt fact that if they are angry with God, they unwittingly be- (trust me they can), but because they donÊt want to, since lieve in His existence; therefore, they are not atheists in the it is not the highlight of their day to judge, rather, they true sense of the word. turn their day over to God and that becomes the highlight In this particular case, concerning the non-believers and of their lives. There is nothing more satisfying and reassur- the stubborn ones who find it difficult to connect with ing than for a human being to have a shoulder to cry on God, the effort to help them understand God lays in the and the inner peace that everything is going to be okay: hands of the lecturers and the courses they teach, be- the definition of faith.‰ cause, „God is more interested in what I am than what The courses on religion go hand-in-hand with the Pastoral I do. ThatÊs why we are called human beings not human work to create a stronger love, a love of a Father, because doings.‰ God is love and God is what you can refuse to see but Nonetheless, lecture time is limited, leaving many students never refuse to feel. God is the love you feel for others, asking for more and thirsting for a deeper link with their close or far. He is the smile that is drawn on your face spirituality. It goes without saying that so many of our stu- even at the saddest moments. He is what keeps you going dents find themselves going from a state of curiosity to a when the going gets rough, and given that our youths are state of sheer joy and devout belief. The Pastoral Office at currently refusing any concept of God and spirituality, the NDU, under the guidance of Fr. Fady Bou Chebel and his Pastoral work exists to make the concept of God more hu- around-the-clock availability for counseling and spiritual man to us, relatable most importantly to our current state. guidance, must take the bulk of the credit for this exhila- God is no longer the almighty to be feared, but the Fa- rating shift in studentsÊ newfound perceptions on religion. ther that is always waiting for us, even for non Christians, A Student’s Opinion: „As a student, I have noticed many the idea remains true for God is love (1 John 4:8), and love changes in several of my peers, the courses on religion helped knows no color, religion, or nationality. Love just is, deep in them change their stubborn ways of thinking and brought the heart of each one of us. We are thankful for the Pas- them closer to the Church. Many students described these toral Office at NDU, and many other universities, for giving courses as Âtherapeutic,Ê because these courses help them everyone the chance to simply believe in something bigger fill the gap they have in their lives and help them answer than them, which helps them along the predicaments of countless ambiguous questions they encounter. The cours- life; something that doesnÊt lead to them straying along es on religion are no longer restricted to memorizing Bible the paths of desperation, fights, addictions, and loss of verses or memorizing the Seven Sacraments without linking hope. It is a place where they feel safe, a home, and a ref- these two sides to each other. The courses have become uge. No one should lose hope, because hope is the flame a personal experience each one of us can live on his/her that keeps us going. own and relate them to others. The courses are no longer „I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you com- regarded as an obligatory syllabus requirement, rather, the pletely with joy and peace, because you trust in him‰ (Ro- course are an opportunity to vent frustrations and to seek mans 15:13).

52 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

SAO

Student Housing: Welcome Home Source: Paul KHOURY

The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Student Hous- new friends, explore the campus, or get a head start on ing facility is a student service dormitory on the Main the new academic year. To this end, we have strived to en- Campus. With 417 rooms located in a striking five-story sure that on-campus life will prove to be exciting and that building, we have made every effort to create quality hous- you will benefit from the assortment of on-campus activi- ing facilities and to deliver superior services. Our Student ties. Living on campus will provide many opportunities to Housing provides and promotes a living environment that become involved with the University. is conducive to learning and encourages residents to use Your success as a Student Housing member largely de- all the available housing resources needed to pursue their education at NDU, while abiding by strict rules and regula- pends on you. You will be expected to respect lifestyles tions related to academic life and values in an atmosphere that may differ from your own, and you will be expected of respect and integrity. to respect the needs of others. By doing this, you will grow Without a doubt, we understand your need to settle as a person, succeed as a member of your new community, quickly so that you can begin acquainting yourself with and excel in the classroom.

Student Housing Building (external view). Security.

Lounge. Kitchen.

53 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The Student Housing is divided in MenÊs and WomenÊs Residences (sin- gle and double rooms) where we pro- vide you with a range of facilities and services such as laundry, kitchen, TV room, Internet access, etc. Front desk staff is always on duty to provide as- sistance, and a nurse is on call every night in case of emergencies. The facility is cleaned and maintained by professional cleaning personnel while studentÊs rooms are cleaned on a weekly basis.

Single rooms are furnished with a sin- TV room. gle bed and mattress, computer desk, chair, wardrobes, kitchenette, mini- fridge, WC, blanket, bed cover, air-con- ditioning, LCD TV with cable connec- tion, Internet connection, and internal and external telephone services. Double double rooms are furnished with two single beds and mattress- es, two computer desks, two chairs, wardrobes, kitchenette, WC, blan- kets, bed covers, air-conditioning, LCD TV with cable TV connection, Internet connection, and internal and external telephone services. We encourage you to discuss with us your ideas about programs and your living environment. Consider yourself at home. Parking Bloc C. Reception.

Female Block B. Male room Block A. Laundry room.

54 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

STAFF

NDU Job Fair 2013

The Public Relations Department-Placement Office at No- information, and to offer them assignments with some of tre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) held its annual Job Fair the top marketers. from May 29-30, 2013, at NDU Main Campus, Zouk Mos- The official opening was attended by Mr. Edde.; Fr. Walid beh. The Job Fair took place under the patronage of H.E. Moussa, NDU President; NDU Vice-Presidents; Rev. Fr. Mr. Michel Edde, former Minister of Culture and Higher Francois Akl, Director of NDU Shouf Campus; NDU Fac- Education. ulty Deans; NDU faculty members, staff, students, alumni; The NDU Job Fair 2013 brought together leading compa- representatives from various companies and organizations; and members of the press. nies and organizations and featured a wide variety of em- Following the Lebanese national anthem, Mrs. Layal Ne- ployers from diverse industries, including banks, insurance hme Matar, NDU Placement Officer, delivered a welcome companies, contracting and engineering firms, computer speech and stressed on the importance of hosting this an- and communications businesses, catering companies, ho- nual event at NDU, which offers intellectual, cultural, and tels, schools, airlines, transportation businesses, retail and educational growth, and helps maintain a spirit of patri- distribution firms, logistics, NGOs, libraries, etc. otism and national pride by helping to protect LebanonÊs This event gives students, graduates, and alumni the op- most precious resource: its human capital. portunity to discuss with various company representatives She said, „Each time a Lebanese invests in Lebanon, it is career opportunities (from internships to seasonal, part- an act to help the nation survive. Some wanted us to cease time, and full-time jobs). These representatives are in a po- to exist, but we existed, and we will continue to exist. It sition to give prospective candidates company and career is easy to observe that certain political schisms hinder job

The opening ceremony of the NDU Job Fair 2013.

Cutting the ribbon to launch the Job Fair (from left): Fr. Francois Akl, Mrs. Layal Nehme Matar, Mr. Souheil Matar, Dr. Ameen Rihani, Fr. Walid Moussa, H.E. Mr. Michel Edde.

55 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

opportunities and hinder the dream for a prosperous life Fr. Walid Moussa in his speech said, „This annual event and a rosy future. Yet, the NDU Job Fair 2013 challenges indicates our constant faith in the cooperation between this reality by providing a platform for our right to exist and the University and society. Our students and alumni are the survive. H.E. Michel Edde, the patron of this event, is a dif- sons and daughters of this society, and together we try to ferent breed of politician; he is a politician who cares. He surmount three main challenges. The first challenge is cop- has carried on his shoulders the burden of his citizens both ing with ignorance. We continue to learn and work hard at home and abroad. He is here today to share our worries as opposed to others who are bent on ruin and destruc- and our successes.‰ tion, because ignorance and fanaticism blinds them. Being Mr. Souheil Matar, NDU Vice-President for Cultural Affairs conscious is our only solution. It is dangerous if we lose our and Public Relations, said in his speech, „We here today historical and civilized role in this region. The second chal- are far removed from the realities, shaping our surround- lenge is emigration. We are all aware of how badly emi- ings. We are here in search of job vacancies and not license gration is affecting everyone: our graduates, their families, plate numbers. When we vote, our concern is to find good and us. Emigration is like a plague, forcing many Lebanese opportunities so that we can live with dignity«As a na- tion, we are proud of our achievements, proud that we to leave their homeland. But we will stay. We will keep on have built companies and institutions, but we should be making every effort to ensure that everyone finds a job ashamed because politicians have ruined and destroyed and establishes a career here. The third challenge is coping our governmental institutions and have drawn lots for our with despair«‰ very clothes a thousand times over. It is high time we woke „Lebanon has in place,‰ said Mr. Edde, „all the legislative up. They pretend to represent us, yet they are using us. It and legal foundations, and conditions to heal itself. These is time to raise over voices and say ÂnoÊ in the face of this foundations are the bases of a free economy, which have corruption, which is engulfing our society.‰ helped the Lebanese surmount every obstacle and crisis.‰

Job Fair, Open Court, NDU Main Campus. Students visiting the various stands.

Students visiting the various stands. H.E. Mr. Michel Edde (center) greeting attendees.

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He added, „Our unstable political climate and sporadic Attending the dinner were: NDU President Fr. Walid Mous- conflicts has played a major role in driving away local, sa, Mr. Souheil Matar, Vice-President for Cultural Affairs Arab, and foreign investors. If we donÊt preserve Lebanon, and Public Relations, NDU Faculty Deans, NDU PR Depart- job opportunities will cease to exist, and if we donÊt pre- ment staff members, and owners and representatives of serve Lebanon, the lives of men, women, and children will companies, institutions, banks, and organizations. become a living hell in a climate of hostilities.‰ Singer Paul Zougheib performed a large repertoire of Mr. Edde stressed that we should stop abusing our impor- songs. Fiordelli MenÊs Wear distributed complimentary ties tant model of democracy, instead, we should aim to lead to all attending males while Akira Paris distributed compli- respectable lives under a government that recognizes all mentary cosmetics to all attending women. religions and sects. He went on to describe the NDU Job Two participating organizations were selected, following a Fair 2013 as a beacon of hope and an event that would Lucky Draw Contest, to participate free-of-charge in next help Lebanon overcome the present hardships. yearÊs Job Fair. At the close of the opening speeches, and before officially declaring the NDU Job Fair 2013 open, Mr. Edde donated US$100,000 to the NDU Student Financial Aid Program.

The Public Relations Department-Placement Office at No- tre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) invited all NDU Job Fair 2013 participants to a lavish Gala Dinner, which was held at the NDU Restaurant on Friday, June 7, 2013, at 8:30 p.m.

Paul Zougheib performing. The Gala Dinner.

Mrs. Layal Nehme Matar and Mr. Souheil Matar randomly draw- Guests toast to a successful Job Fair 2013. ing the names of two winning participants during the Lucky Draw Contest.

57 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

SPORTS OFFICE

NDU Sports Challenge

For the eighth consecutive year, Notre- Dame University-Louaize (NDU) organ- Results ized from March 16 to April 24, 2013, its • Table Tennis (MenÊs Category) annual mixed gender Inter-Scholar Sports First Place: Antoine Kerbaj (SJS) Tournament under the title of „NDU Second Place: Jean Pierre Hayek (Charité) Sports Challenge,‰ in the following sport • Tennis (MenÊs Category) disciplines: basketball, volleyball, mini- football, swimming, tennis, and table First Place: Jad Salibi (German) tennis. The Sports Office at NDU organ- Second Place: Emilio Khoury (German) ized this event under the supervision of • Tennis (WomenÊs Category) Dr. Ziad Fahed, NDU Dean of Students. First Place: Bruna Khoury (German) More than 40 schools and educational Second Place: Carine Saad (SJS) institutions (totaling around 1,000 stu- • Volleyball (MenÊs Category): dents) participated in this event. First Place: NDL The Lycée Nahr Ibrahim was awarded the Second: Place SJS „Fair Play‰ award, the Lycée De Ville was • Football awarded the „Appreciation‰ award, and First Place: SJS Saint Joseph School, Kornet Chehwan, Second Place: NDL was awarded the „Most Participating • Basketball (WomenÊs Category) School‰ award. First Place: Antoura Fr. Bechara Khoury, NDU Director of Fi- nance, delivered a speech at the closing Second Place: NDL award ceremony to congratulate the win- • Basketball (MenÊs Category) ners and to motivate them to continue in First Place: Lycée Nahr Ibrahim their efforts toward improving the status Second Place: NDL of sports in schools and educational insti- • Swimming (Winners of Various Categories): Tarek Chahine; Andrew tutions. He also emphasized the need to Saadeh; Gabriel Bared; Justin Helou; Andrea Mghames; Tatiana An- use sports as a tool in breaking societyÊs inkina; Theresia Khoury; and Rea Maalouf. negative behavioral patterns.

Fr. Bechara Khoury (center) with participating students and organizers.

58 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

NDU Taekwondo Team Visits Aphrodite Joe CHAMMA

As soon as Grand Master Joseph Khoury received an invi- Arriving at Larnaca International Airport, we were trans- tation from the Cyprus Judo and Taekwondo Federation, ported to the Asty Hotel, located in the heart of Nicosia, we began preparing for the camp two months in advance close to the Lebanese Embassy. As we settled in, Mr. Elias through numerous correspondence and follow-ups with Boutros held a small meeting with the team. the Cyprus Federation, processing visa applications at The team then met with Mr. Panikos Panayiotou, President the Cypriot Embassy in Lebanon, and gathering the vari- of the Champions Club, International Referee, and mem- ous documents required. Finally, we were all set for what ber of the Cyprus Taekwondo Federation. Mr. Panayiotou would be a memorable trip. thanked us for responding to the invitation and wished Our early morning flight was scheduled for Friday March us an enjoyable stay. After the meeting, Mr. Panayiotou 29, 2013, and our return evening flight was scheduled took a few team members to the Federation where they for Monday, April 1, 2013. The Notre Dame University – met with Mr. Phivos Christou, the President of the Cyprus Louaize (NDU) team comprised four officials and 11 stu- Judo and Taekwondo Federation and General Treasurer of dents. The NDU team that went to Cyprus were: Mr. Elias the European Taekwondo Union. The team members who Boutros, Mr. Joseph Khoury, Mr. Jean Abi Rizk, Miss Anna stayed behind toured the city, some on foot, others riding Maria Khawand, Miss Cynthia Nasr, Mr. Elias Issa, Mr. Elias bicycles provided by the hotel. Mattar, Mr. Elie Khoury, Mr. Joey Nassif, Mr. Joseph Harf- The first training session was held at the Champions Club ouch, Mr. Marc Haber, Miss Nour al-Jurdi, and Mr. Peter in Nicosia. Two hours later and after group photos were Haber. taken, we went back to the hotel for a shower before go-

59 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

ing out for dinner at a small restaurant near the hotel. We One group went souvenir hunting while the other group slept early that night in preparation for the next day. decided to go and spend the day at the beach in Agia The next morning after breakfast, the team left to train Napa. Many souvenirs were bought before returning to with the Cypriot National Taekwondo Team, after which the hotel and going out for lunch. group photos were taken and souvenirs exchanged. The That night we were invited to attend the Cypriot Barbeque rest of the day was spent discovering Nicosia. Night Buffet at the hotel. The group that had spent the The third and final training session took place at the Nico- day in Agia Napa returned just in time to join us for the laou Taekwondo Club in Nicosia. As the team trained, our buffet. Mr. Panikos joined us for the evening. At the buf- officials inspected the clubÊs diverse equipment and made fet, we met the Cypriot Ambassador in Lebanon, H. E. Mr. notes on what to order for our Club at NDU. The train- Homer Mavrommatis. After the buffet, Mr. Panikos invited ing session ended with some group photos and words of a few of our officials to a local pub in Nicosia. encouragement for future cooperation. On April FoolÊs Day, we checked out of the hotel and Mr. Panikos invited the NDU team to a Lebanese restaurant headed to the airport for our return trip home. Given that for dinner near Ledra Street. Our team members had a we arrived early, the team visited the duty-free shop and great time at the restaurant, which also showcased danc- ers and other forms of entertainment. passed time at the airport café. Later that day, we boarded On Sunday morning, a few members of our team cele- for Beirut. It was truly a wonderful trip for all of us. brated Easter even though in Cyprus both Catholics and Special Thanks to Mr. Elias Boutros, Mr. Joseph Khoury, Mr. Maronites celebrate Easter with Orthodox Christians, un- Jean Abi Rizk, Mr. Sherif Zeidan (a friend of mine in the like Lebanon where Easter is celebrated twice a year. After Cyprus Embassy in Beirut), Mr. Panikos Panayiotou, and an early breakfast, the group decided to walk around Le- last but not least Mr George Tahtah, for making the trip dra Street to buy some souvenirs. worthwhile.

60 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

NORTH LEBANON CAMPUS

All NLC articles reported by Mr. Edgar MERHEB-HARB – Assistant Director, Public Relations Department, NLC.

NLC Hosts Lavish Dinner for North Lebanon Principals

Continuing its annual tradition, Notre Dame University- Religieuses des Saints-Coeurs, Batroun; Louaize (NDU) North Lebanon Campus (NLC) invited all Ecole Saint Joseph des Pères Capucins, Batroun; school principals in North Lebanon to a lavish dinner on Ecole des Soeurs Maronites de la Sainte Famille-St. Elie, April 19, 2013, at the Mhanna Sur Mer restaurant in Am- Batroun; chit where a festive atmosphere marked the entire evening. Batroun Official School; Administrators, faculty, and staff of NLC were all present at Chekka Official School; the dinner, and many directors, faculty, and staff from the Universal School; NDU Main Campus joined Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU President. Lycee Saint Pierre-Orthodoxe; Fr. Moussa delivered a speech and stressed on the impor- Ecole des Filles de La Charité, Btouratije; tance of such gatherings in strengthening ties between Collège des Frères, Deddeh; NDU and secondary schools in Lebanon. Lebanese Institute of Technology, Haykaliye; Fr. Samir Ghsoub, NLC Director, noted in his speech that Deddeh Official School; identical goals united the University and the educational Ecole Sainte Thérèse, Amioun; sector at all levels: Primary, secondary, and higher educa- Amioun Official School; tion. He stressed that it is our duty to defend our educa- David Karam Educational Center; tional institutions and regain lost values. Fr. Ghsoub also Ecole Technique Orthodoxe, Bkeftine; noted that we must continue to support and guide stu- Kferaaka Official School; dents, who are our responsibly, and ensure that educa- Ecole al Carmalia, Mejdlay;a tion is always separated from politics. He stressed that the Rashiine Official School; doors of NLC are always open to help secondary school North Lebanon College; principals succeed in building a healthy society and a Ecole Saint Joseph des Soeurs Basiliques, Meniara; strong nation. Mission Laique Francaise- Abdallah el-Rassi, Halba; National Orthodox School, Cheikhtaba; Principals of the following schools were invited: Modern School, Meniara; Ecole Nationale Grecque Orthodoxe, Zahriyeh; Ecole Secondaire des Soeurs Sainte Thérèse, Hadchit; Collège National Orthodoxe, Kobbe; Becharré Official Secondary School; Mar Elias, Mina; Kfarhabou Official School; Collège des Saints-Coeurs, Haykaliyeh; Halba Official School; Tripoli Evangelical School; SABIS-Choueifat International School-Koura; and Pères Carmes-St. Elie; Kalamoun Official School

61 NORTH LEBANON CAMPUS

NLC Organizes Conference on “Integrating Technology into Teaching”

The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) North Lebanon Campus (NLC) organized on Friday, April 26, 2013, a conference under the title of „Integrating Technology into Teaching‰ under the patronage of Mr. Fady Yarak, Director General of Education, who was represented by Dr. Nahla el-Hamati NehmeÊ, Head of the Educational Dis- trict of North Lebanon. Conference participants included school directors, university lecturers, and students. The customary rendition of the Lebanese national anthem launched the conference and was followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr. Savo Karam, Master of Ceremonies, who greeted participants and highlighted the importance of the science- based meeting. Dr. Mary-Angela Willis, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, inaugurated the confer- ence. She said that lecturers should keep abreast of the latest technological innova- tions and tools, and know how to use such technology given that students have a good grasp of technology. She added that technology should serve to support edu- cation and improve communication between lecturers and students; thus, making students feel that the learning process is more meaningful, dynamic, and enjoyable. For her part, Dr. Dorine Matar Haddad delivered a speech on behalf of Fr. Samir Gh- soub, Director of NLC. She underlined the importance of technology in education and stressed the fact that the University is keen on keeping up with technological advances in order to improve educational and teaching efficiency. In this regard, NDU regularly organizes such conferences, which are aimed at benefiting both students and lecturers. Dr. NehmeÊ underscored that the conference was aimed at integrating technological tools and methods as well as active teaching methods in the core of the educational process in order to benefit both student and nation. She said, „In 1997, the Ministry of Education devised and implemented a plan, which aimed at applying active meth- ods in education, the most important of which was integrating technology in the curricula and classes through the continual training of teachers.‰ Dr. Maha Mouchantaf, Chairperson of the Department of English, Translation and Education at NDU, chaired the first session. Dr. Maha Sourani (Lebanese University- LU) discussed the concept of utilizing Facebook for college writing. Dr. Salma Abdal- lah took to the lectern following Dr. SouraniÊs talk. Dr. Abdallah tackled the role of technology in teaching the Arabic language. At the end of the session, Dr. Sami Samra (NDU) and Dr. Amal Malek (NDU) discussed the role of technology in the classroom and asked whether it was a problem or a solution, or a target or a tool. Mr. Michael Hajj, Coordinator of the Faculty of Humanity (NLC), moderated the last session in which Ms. Manal Saba (LU) discussed the use of mobile phones to improve educational outcomes. Her colleague, Dr. Hiba Chendib (LU) evaluated the electronic EFL e-programs while Dr. Zeina Trad tackled the topic of teaching vocabulary to stu- dents of different learning styles by using the Internet. Dr. Wissam Chibani (NDU) closed the conference with an address on the Collaborative Networking for Direct Feedback at the NDU Writing Center.

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NLC Co-Sponsors Tripoli Semi-Marathon

The Together Lebanon Organization organized a semi- Centre Boulevard (in front of the residence of former Prime marathon in Tripoli on Sunday, May 19, 2013, under the Minister Najib Mikati). patronage of caretaker government Minister of Youth With more than 40,000 supporters and spectators lining and Sports Mr. Faisal Karami. The Notre Dame University- up the streets, the marathon brought together 20,000 Louaize (NDU) North Lebanon Campus (NLC) participated participants, ranging from Lebanese, Asian, and European at the event in the capacity of ÂBronze Sponsor.Ê athletes to political and military figures, civil society activ- The Tripoli semi-marathon, which is a combination of three tracks: 21 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 2 kilometers for ists, and school students. kids, ran under the slogan „Together We Run for Peace‰ – It was a day of solidarity, fun, and sports in which various a much-needed peace in our beloved Tripoli. The start line beverages and the famous sweets of Tripoli were distrib- was located at the Tripoli International Fair and Exhibition uted to all.

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Founders’ Day 2013 at NDU-NLC

The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) North Lebanon Campus (NLC) commemorated FoundersÊ Day 2013 on Friday, May 17, 2013. The entire NLC family and guests from across the country gathered to celebrate in the festivities from dusk till dawn.

Alumni Gathering at NLC

„Celebrating Your Next Step 2013,‰ which was held on lives. „Our Alma Mater is a part of us and should be treat- May 20, 2013, was the theme of this yearÊs Alumni gath- ed as such,‰ he said. ering at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) North Leba- Fr. Moussa highlighted the fact that graduates must face non Campus (NLC). Present at the occasion were Fr. Walid their future with „faith in God and confidence, as these two factors are essential for success.‰ Moussa, NDU President, Fr. Samir Ghsoub, NLC Director, Fr. Ghsoub and Mr. Michael Hajj, Coordinator at the Fac- administration, faculty, staff, and students, ulty of Humanities and main organizer of the event, both Mr. Simon Abou Jaoude, Director of the Alumni Affairs Of- welcomed the students and distributed pamphlets com- fice at NDU, delivered his address, noting the importance prising the PresidentÊs Address for 2013, in addition to of being an Alumni and NDU student for the rest of our some other souvenirs to mark this special occasion.

64 NORTH LEBANON CAMPUS NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

NLC Dean’s List (Spring 2013)

The Administration of the Notre Dame University-Louaize Fr. Samir Ghsoub, NLC Director, congratulated lecturers (NDU) North Lebanon Campus (NLC) honored its outstand- and students on this success and said that Lebanon is ing students of the semester from seven Faculties with a blessed by having such talented students. The University is spectacular event, which was held on Wednesday, June 6, not concerned with numbers, but is concerned with stu- 2013, at 6 p.m. dents and how they rank in society and uphold principles Present were NLC administrators, faculty and staff, princi- in a society where such values are missing. pals of secondary schools, parents, and students. Outstanding students were honored with shields. Mrs. In his welcome address, Dr. Chadi Makkari, Coordinator of Maguy Issa from (NNA) „Wikalah Wattaniah i3lam‰ was the Faulty of Engineering at NLC, highlighted the role of also honored and was presented with a shield for her dedi- the educator in ensuring a suitable learning environment cation and professionalism in covering all NDU events, dur- for students to excel in their chosen disciplines. ing the past five years. Dr. Michel Hayek, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at A zajal (traditional oral strophic poetry) presentation by NDU, encouraged parents to continue supporting their Layali Lebnan closed the ceremony, and was immediately children and thanked them for putting their faith in NDU. followed by an open-air cocktail.

65 NORTH LEBANON CAMPUS

66 NDU SPIRIT ISSUE 58 JUNE 2013

NDU-NLC Organizes “Building Safety in Lebanon” Seminar

A seminar under the title of „Building Safety in Lebanon‰ took place on May 31, 2013, at the Notre Dame Univer- sity-Louaize (NDU) North Lebanon Campus (NLC). The event, which was divided into two sessions, was organized in collaboration with the Safe Building Alliance (SBAI) in the presence of Fr. Samir Ghsoub, NLC Director, keynote speakers, mayors, municipality heads, architects, profes- sionals, and students. In his welcome address, Fr. Ghsoub discussed how build- ings reflect society. He noted the chaotic nature of the construction process in Lebanon and the hazardous com- mercialization of the industry. Buildings, he said, must be constructed to keep families safe and blend in harmoni- ously with their natural environments. Fr. Ghsoub called on all parties concerned to forge solid partnerships and implement safe construction standards by using existing legislation and by demanding new legislation where nec- essary. Four keynote speakers discussed the main topics of the necessity, considering that the life of a survivor, in case of session. The speakers were: Engr. Youssef Azzam, Head of an accident, for example, may depend on a few precious the SBAI; Dr. Jihad Abi Akl, LIBNOR; Dr. Ziad Akl, Director minutes. of YASA; and Engr. Abdel Menhem Almeddine, the former Engr. Almeddine headed the second session titled „The President of the Order of Engineers in North Lebanon. Reality of Our Buildings.‰ The speakers were Mr. Ziad Dr. Michel Hayek, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Hammoudah, from the Syndicate of Engineers, and Mr. NDU, moderated the first session titled „Building Safe.‰ Mohamad Majzoub, who discussed the position of owners Dr. Hayek stressed that the government needed to play a more active role in drafting news laws and enforcing new of buildings, falling under the old rental law in Lebanon. legislation. He called on all parties, including universities Engr. Almeddine highlighted the fact that government and citizens, to be proactive in ensuring contractors abide was not overseeing these unsafe structures, and he called by these laws. for more active government participation and stricter laws. Engr. Azzam discussed the necessity of abiding to set cri- He also added that the government should not consider teria for construction, which includes protecting structures fining offenders as a solution. Engr. Almeddine also asked from earthquakes, fires, floods, etc., and refurbishing old that the Order of Engineers be given more say in monitor- buildings. ing the construction of buildings in Lebanon. Dr. Jihad Akl discussed Decree No. 7964, which details Mr. Nabil Arja closed the session and highlighted the in- standard construction practices, and he stressed the need justice and lack of Lebanese regulations in defending the to abide by its regulations to ensure the construction of safe buildings. rights of tenants. Many laws were created for the sole pur- Dr. Ziad Akl noted the importance of training professionals pose of protecting foreigners to invest in Lebanon while in the Department of Civil Defence, which is specialized in ignoring the interests of the Lebanese, he added. Disaster Management. Such trainings are of the utmost A cocktail followed the seminar.

67 SHOUF CAMPUS

SC Hosts Annual Principals’ Dinner

The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Shouf Campus for their staunch efforts to help our youth. Fr. Akl then (SC) hosted its annual PrincipalsÊ Dinner on Saturday, April gave the floor to Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU President. 20, 2013, at the luxurious Hotel Le Bristol in Verdun, Bei- Fr. Moussa also thanked the guests and the event planners, and stressed on the importance of cooperation between rut. Around 160 school principals and secondary heads at- high schools and the University for the benefit of students. tended the dinner. Following the addresses, a documentary featuring the SC Fr. Francois Akl, Director of the SC, welcomed all guests, was screened and a live performance of classical music, thanked the event-planning team, and praised the spirit of expressed through piano and violin, was the highlight of coexistence that governs the SC. He also thanked guests the memorable evening.

Open Doors at SC

The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Shouf Campus (SC) family hosted its annual „Open Doors‰ ceremony on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and included a full day of academic tours, competi- tions, activities, and entertainment. Around 1,061 students from more than 35 schools partici- pated in this instructive day. Students commuted with their teachers, friends, and parents from the regions of Shouf, Metn, Sidon, and Tyr to share this special day with the faculty and students of the SC. Guided by dynamic ushers, students were given a tours of the campus and met with their future advisors and faculty members, collected all the information, concerning the different programs available, learned about our helpful Fi- nancial Aid Program, and participated in the competitions and activities prepared by the Faculties. Students, moreover, were given access to all the campus facilities and services. The SC student Clubs featured at- tractive displays, competitions, and fun activities in which everyone took part.

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SC Celebrates Founders’ Day 2013

The Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Shouf Campus (SC) celebrated its annual FoundersÊ Day on Friday, May 24, 2013. The celebration marked the 12th Anniversary of the founding of the SC and the 26th Anniversary of the founding of NDU. The SC was a hive of activity the week before the event with everyone on campus working in earnest preparation to host the entire NDU community from all three campuses (Main, North, and Shouf) as well as to host residents of the entire Shouf region. This yearÊs event was extra-spe- cial given the high turnout of faculty members, staff, and students who flocked to the SC to celebrate with student clubs and guests from across the country. The exceptional work that was done on the stands under the theme „Car- toon Characters‰ characterized this yearÊs event. The opening ceremony began at 3:00 p.m. prompt. A welcome address, delivered by Fr. Francois Akl, Director of the SC, followed the Lebanese national anthem and the NDU anthem. Fr. Akl addressed all students, wishing them a great day ahead and reminding them of their responsi- bilities given that university life is not counted in years or paper degrees. He stressed that a university is measured by the quality of graduates it sends out into the world and by the success of its graduates in their chosen disciplines. He urged the SC family to remain a strong and united family that promotes education, growth, and patriotism. After the welcome address, the event program proceeded according to schedule: Students showcased their talents through dabke (folk dances) and other forms of dancing, songs, and skits. Guest stars included Sarah el-Hani, Nidal el-Zain, Anwar Nour, and Ziad Borji, who all contributed to make it a memorable and fun-filled night filled with song and dance. The crowd cheered, sang along to their favorite tunes, and danced till the wee hours of the morn- ing. HereÊs to many, many more celebrations!

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SC: “Celebrating Your Next Step”

Fr. Walid Moussa, President of Notre Dame University- to remain loyal to their Alma Mater, and to visit it, not only Louaize (NDU), and Mr. Simon Abou Jaoude, Director of in thoughts and in memories but also physically. the NDU Alumni Affairs Office, visited the Shouf Campus Fr. Moussa said, „Come back and visit these buildings (SC) on May 31, 2013, at noon to meet with the gradu- where you spent so many good days; bring your spouses ating „Class of 2013‰ in an event themed: „Celebrating and children, and show them where your classes were and Your Next Step.‰ where your futures were shaped. He finally encouraged Fr. Francois Akl, Director of the SC, spoke to the graduat- them to dream; to keep dreaming, but not to do so alone ing students, expressing his pride in each one of them. He because without sharing oneÊs dream, it will turn into a urged them to forge real objectives in life; objectives that nightmare. Dreams are meant to be addressed, challenged entail making their communities better places in which to and fulfilled.‰ live. He urged them not to hang their degrees on walls, as Mr. Abou Jaoude then took the floor and spoke to the if their degrees were a painting, but to reflect their educa- students about the Alumni Association. He screened a tion and University culture everywhere they went. Fr. Akl showreel of NDU Alumni taken from different campuses concluded with a word of advice to the graduating stu- and majors who talked about their majors, their present dents, telling them that in a world where the Internet is careers, and their best times at NDU. taking over, they should love books, read them, stay at- Finally, Ms. Niyanar Bou Ajram spoke on behalf of the SC tached to them, and value them. Graduating Class 2013, thanking administrators, faculty, Fr. Moussa then took the floor and addressed the eager and staff members for the help they extended to them students. He reminded them that the best feature about during the years they labored with their courses and their studying at NDU rested in the fact that NDU enjoys strong projects. She thanked the SC for helping her and her col- links with a diverse network of friends/professionals, which leagues to leave its buildings better equipped and ready to can benefit the career of each graduating student. He as- face the challenges of the real world. She asked her class- sured them that because of the family ties that bind stu- mates to be effective members in society and to reflect the dents together, even those who come from different de- light of the SC to the world. partments and have different majors will still benefit from It was a touching gathering during which visitors and the have remarkable connections. Fr. Moussa urged students graduating class shared moments of sincere gratitude.

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Nicolas Saadeh Nakhle Gives Talk at SC

Popular Lebanese singer Nicolas Saadeh Nakhle delivered on June 12, 2013, a talk titled „The Role of Our Youth in Building a New Lebanon,‰ at the Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Shouf Campus (SC). Nakhle en- shrined as his central theme the build- ing of a stable, patriotic, and harmo- nious society through our youth. He also discussed aspects of his career and encouraged the SC students to try to make a difference. Nakhle con- cluded his talk by thanking the SC for providing him with this unique op- portunity and wished NDU the best of luck in all of its future endeavors.

71 CAMPUS VOICES

Campus Voices provides a forum for our administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to communicate about whatÊs on their minds·their lives, their interests, their viewpoints, their concerns, and their perspectives.

AAN – The Cypriot Connection Joe CHAMMA

Joe Chamma in front of his old school, the American Academy Nicosia.

As in 2012, I returned to the island of Cyprus for a short We had a good chat and snapped a few photos to capture visit in 2013 with the Lebanese Judo Federation. Return- the moment before heading off to visit Stallo Hinnis. ing to Cyprus to attend a Taekwondo Camp boosted my Stallo is a warm and happy person, which made my visit enthusiasm for the trip. This time around, however, my all the more special. I met her two wonderful children, as main objective was to meet up with all my old classmates. we talked and caught up on past events. Vasilis, unfortu- Before I left for the island on Friday, March 29, 2013, I nately, had a sudden and urgent meeting to attend, so our bought a few souvenirs to give to my former classmates. trip was cut short. We took a few photos, and as we were We stayed at the Asty Hotel in Nicosia. After settling in, leaving, I met StalloÊs husband before Vasilis returned me I walked around town and a huge smile painted my face to the hotel. when I came upon my old school, The American Academy The day for me was not over, however. That night I had Nicosia (AAN), where I had studied for eight years. Many planned to reunite with another group of classmates. good memories flooded back. Returning to the hotel, I Nikolaos Panayiotou, a classmate, picked me up from the took one of the officials accompanying me back to my hotel, and took me to his house to pick up his wife, Julie school and promptly gave him a tour. Koutsoudis, also a former classmate. We then drove to a I spent the rest of that day getting in touch with my old place called Presse Café where we were to meet the rest classmates to organize a reunion. We agreed to start meet- of the gang. Seeing everyone again as I arrived made our ing the following day. After having dinner near the hotel, I was ready for a good nightÊs sleep to meet the morning reunion even more special. fresh and ready to go. I dished out the gifts and even brought along some old After 20 years of being away, I finally began to regroup class and school photos while we sat, laughed, and had a with my former classmates. Vasilis Koufaris was the first great time discussing our wonderful childhood memories. friend to pick me up from the hotel. He drove me to his The friends present were: Nick and Julie; Brendan Jocson house where I met his wife, Harris, also a classmate, before and his wife, Georgia; Alex Michael and his wife; Stallo, leaving to pick up VasilisÊ son, George, from karate class. her husband, and their children. Christina and a few oth- After we picked up George, we visited Michael Kourtellas, ers could not stay long and had to leave early. We had such another friend. I also met his wife and his newborn son. a great time that wished that it would never end.

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We took some group photos before Nick drove me back. George picked me up from the airport, and first took me After Nick dropped Julie home, he said he had a surprise to his home where his planetarium and observatory are for me before taking me back to the hotel. He drove me located. He gave me a tour, showing me some of his ob- to the house where I once lived in Cyprus. I almost didnÊt servations and experiments. He gave me a few posters and recognize it, because the area had changed so much since souvenirs from his place before we left for a quick lunch. 1993. It was actually good to be back to the place I call After lunch, George took me sightseeing around Larnaca. „home.‰ After the sweet surprise, Nick drove me back to We visited the Church of Agios Lazaros, a beautiful historic the hotel. church listed as a World Heritage Site. He later showed me The next morning I intended to buy some souviners, but an old monument that was once an observatory several before starting my day, I met up with Andri, my Cypriot centuries ago. Following the monument, we visited an old next-door neighbor in Lebanon before she moved back to Larnaca lighthouse, and then, for the first time, visited the Cyprus. It was great to see her and her daughter again. Hala Sultan Tekke; the only mosque located in Cyprus right I rested that afternoon before attending the Cypriot Bar- next to the airport. Our final destination was to a beauti- beque Night Buffet, which the hotel management organ- ful Catholic Church in a quiet place in Larnaca where we ized. The Cypriots got carried away watching a match be- prayed for a while before George took me to the airport to tween their leading local football teams: APOEL Nicosia catch my 20-minute flight to Beirut. and Anorthosis Famagusta. The result was an emphatic To sum up, it was a worthwhile trip. My main objective 2-0 win for APOEL, as both teams were placed first and was to meet up with my old classmates after a 20-year ab- second respectively in the Cypriot League. sence. Unfortunately, I didnÊt meet a few friends. Achiev- On April FoolÊs Day, our last day on the island, we planned ing this goal made a happier and more peaceful person. to visit Larnaca in the morning before our flight that even- Cyprus will always be a second home to me, given that I ing. Being a keen member of the NDU Astronomy Club, I know it so well. I would most certainly repeat the experi- wasnÊt about to leave Cyprus without a bit of astronomy, ence if I have another chance to do so. so I contacted an old friend, George Troullias, Cypriot As- tronomer and President of the Kition Planetarium & Obser- vatory, to spend the my last few hours on the island with him in Larnaca.

Joe Chamma with his former classmates, 20 years later.

73 OFFBEAT

Bite-size news from around the world... (compiled by Mario NAJM from various sources)

LEBANON New Mexico are already Going to the Beach This drinking recycled water Summer? Think Thrice! (although not necessar- Decades of flawed coastal ily from toilets«yet). A urbanization and unregu- new study proposes that lated dumping of untreat- highly treated wastewa- ed domestic and industrial ter can be safe and clean waste have transformed to drink, and may help the Lebanese coastline ease global freshwater shortages. from a Mediterranean haven into one of the world's most BUSINESS polluted and disease-ridden seas. Lebanon is party to the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Gloomy Global Econom- Sea against Pollution and the Convention for Biological ic Outlook for 2013 Diversity, but that is about where it ends. Recent labora- According to two Unit- tory measurements have shown that our sea ranks high in ed Nations reports, the dangerous phosphorus; nitrogen; detergents; fecal mat- world economy is tee- ter; mercury; lead; zinc; pesticides; mineral oils; and other tering on the brink of toxic wastes. Think thrice before taking a dip this summer. another major down- turn, and 2012 and MIDDLE EAST 2013 will probably see Prince Alwaleed bin Talal anaemic growth at best. „The most pressing challenges Supports Women Driving lie in addressing the continued jobs crisis and declining in KSA prospects for economic growth, especially in the devel- Billionaire Saudi Prince Al- oped countries,‰ one report said. The other report said waleed bin Talal recently that perceived failures by policy-makers and the imposition said that he supports giv- of fiscal austerity programs across Europe, owing to the ing women the right to sovereign debt crisis, have raised the chances of another drive in the Kingdom of global recession. Saudi Arabia (KSA), announcing via Twitter that it would help the economy and reduce the number of foreign ENTERTAINMENT workers in the country. „The question of women driving Is Classical Music will result in being able to dispense with at least 500,000 Dead? (foreign) drivers, in addition to the social and economic Although officially pro- benefits,‰ the prince tweeted. Women are prohibited from nounced dead by many driving in the deeply conservative kingdom, and many naysayers, classical mu- must rely on foreign drivers for transportation. sic is still breathing« barely. According to the WORLD Herald Tribune, in order to resuscitate classical music „we Toilet to Tap: A Solution to the Global Freshwater Crisis? can only chart a vibrant future for classical music in our As the worldÊs population continues to grow and fresh- community by reaching out to new generations in new water resources continue to dwindle, where will we find ways and endeavoring to explore fresh artistic ground.‰ enough water to meet our needs? The experts say: From Rather than foretelling the obituary of classical music, con- our toilets! Although many people may be repulsed by the cert experiences must be made accessible to youngsters notion of drinking water that has been in our toilets, a and their families in order to help them appreciate and few countries such as Singapore, Australia, and Namibia, embrace the masterpieces of yesteryear lest they be lost and states in the U.S.A. such as California, Virginia, and forever.

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OUT OF THE ORDINARY ting biography Socrates: A Man For Our Times, historian Flipper to the Rescue Paul Johnson masterfully disentangles centuries of scarce Dolphins are almost as intelligent sources to offer a riveting account of a physically ugly yet as human beings are. Yet, in our homely and charismatic middle-class man living in Athens ignorance and barbarism, we con- in the fifth century B.C. Johnson describes how what this tinue to slaughter them. Lucky for man thought still shapes the way we decide how to act, us, these beautiful mammals display and how we understand the notion of body and soul. a form of compassion that we can only hope to fathom, SCIENCE as Rob Howes learned first-hand. Howes was swimming with his daughter, Niccy, and two of her friends off the The “Idiot Box” Negatively Af- coast of New Zealand, when a group of dolphins suddenly fects Educational Achievement appeared. To Howes, the dolphins appeared to display A brand new 26-year study, aggressive behavior by forming a tight circle around the which tracked kids from birth four people, herding them together. A worried Howes up until the age of 26, has con- tried to drift away from the group, but two of the larger cluded that „television view- dolphins herded him back, nudging him gently with their ing in childhood and adolescence is associated with poor rostrums. Just then, Howes saw the sinister-looking fin of educational achievement by 26 years of age, and may a great white shark, slicing through the water and head- have long-lasting adverse consequences for educational ing straight for the group. According to Howes and sev- achievement and subsequent socioeconomic status and eral eyewitness reports, several dolphins stayed with the well-being.‰ The researchers found significant long-term group, while the two male dolphins made for the shark, damage occurred even at so-called Âmodest levelsÊ of tele- keeping the predator at bay as it circled its newfound prey. vision (idiot box) viewing: between one and two hours per This state of attack and counter-attack went on for a good day. For better grades, youths should either grab a good 40 minutes until the shark finally gave up and swam away, book to read or get involved in stimulating discussions. allowing the thankful group to swim back safely to shore. TECHNOLOGY SPORTS 3D Smart Phones to Hit Mar- Most Controversial Moment in ket Soon Sports History The Wall Street Journal recently When Mike Tyson bit off a piece reported that Amazon is work- of Evander HolyfieldÊs ear on June ing on a screen for its new smartphone that allows people 28, 1997, it became the most to see 3D images without glasses. The Internet retail gi- controversial moment in mod- ant is working on several gadgets to add to its offerings ern sports history. The fight was of Kindle tablets and e-readers. The 3D screen would use stopped at the end of the third round, with Tyson disquali- retina-tracking technology, allowing images on the smart- fied for biting Holyfield on both ears. The first time he bit phone to seem to float above the screen like a hologram him, the referee stopped the match but later resumed it and appear three-dimensional. upon TysonÊs pledge to fight fair. The second and unex- pected bite, however, was severe enough to remove a part HEALTH of HolyfieldÊs right ear, which was found on the ring floor Sunshine Vitamin Looks Brighter Than Ever after the fight. Who could ever forget? Before you slather on that sunscreen this summer, you may want to read the results CULTURE of the latest study on Vitamin D (the sun- Socrates: A Man For Our Times shine vitamin). Published in the Canadian Socrates was undeniably one of the Medical Association Journal, the study from the University greatest thinkers of all time, yet he Medical Center in the Netherlands found how suboptimal wrote nothing. The Greeks sentenced levels of vitamin D may be associated with decreased lon- him to death by hemlock poisoning gevity. Sensible exposure to the sun has been hailed for its in 399 B.C. for telling them things unique ability to dramatically lower the risk of many forms they did not want to hear. Through- of cancer, and has been shown to lower the risk of heart out his life, and until his very last mo- disease, depression, excessive weight, diabetes, stroke, ment alive, Socrates fully embodied and dementia. So, soak up the rays this summer and reap his philosophy in thought and deed. In the new hard-hit- the abundant health benefits the sun has to offer.

75 OPINIONOFFBEAT AND CULTURE

Sons of the Soil: Tony Shalhoub

Anthony Marcus „Tony‰ Shalhoub (born October 9, 1953) • Star Trek: Galaxy Quest (1999); is a famous Lebanese-American actor. His television work • Thirteen Ghosts (2001); includes the roles of Antonio Scarpacci in Wings and the • Imposter (2001); memorable zany sleuth Adrian Monk in the well-received • Spy Kids (2001); television series Monk. He won three Emmy Awards and a • The Man Who Wasn't There (2001); Golden Globe for his work in Monk. • Men in Black II (2002); Monk was a notoriously funny show in which he portrayed • Cars (2006); Adrian Monk, a brilliant germaphobic Sherlock Holmes- • 1408 (2007); and type detective with many obsessive compulsions and pho- • Cars 2 (2011). bias. In addition to his acting work, Shalhoub, in collaboration Born to Joe Shalhoub, a Maronite from Lebanon who im- with the Network of Arab-American Professionals and migrated to the U.S.A. as an orphan at the age of 10, Zoom-in-Focus productions, established „The Arab-Amer- and Helen, a second-generation Lebanese-American, the ican Filmmaker Award Competition‰ in 2005. Arab-Amer- young Shalhoub grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin – where ican filmmakers submitted screenplays, and the winner he still lives to this day with his own family. Shalhoub was was flown to Hollywood to have his screenplay produced. the second youngest of the coupleÊs 10 children. He grad- uated with a BachelorÊs degree in Drama from the Univer- Two runner-ups were also invited to participate in the pro- sity of Southern Maine, Portland, U.S.A., and went on to duction. earn a Master's from the Yale School of Drama in 1980. This year, Shalhoub stars opposite Mark Wahlberg and After winning the „Best Supporting Actor‰ award from Dwayne „The Rock‰ Johnson in director Michael BayÊs the National Society of Film Critics for his well-researched action-comedy Pain & Gain. He plays a wealthy gymgoer role in Big Night (1996), Shalhoub went on to play many kidnapped by a gang of thuggish bodybuilders. The true exceptional roles in films such as: story details the kidnapping, extortion, torture, and mur- • Men in Black (1997); der of several victims by an organized group of criminals • A Civil Action (1998); that included a number of bodybuilders affiliated with Sun • The Siege (1998); Gym in the U.S.A.

Tony Shalhoub in his role as germaphobic sleuth Monk. (from left) Dwayne Johnson, Tony Shalhoub, and Mark Wahl- berg in the 2013 action-comedy Pain & Gain.

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Wedding Announcements And then they said, “I do…”

Lina Abou Jaoudeh (part-time instructor at the Faculty of Humani- ties – DETE, NDU) and Dr. Rashed Zoorob tied the knot on Friday, August 17, 2012, at the National Evangelical Church of Beirut in the heart of Beirut Central District (BCD). A splendid reception dinner was held at the Green and Grill Restau- rant, Zalka, following the church ceremony. May you both be blessed with lifelong happiness. Notice of Omission

Due to a production error in the NDU Spirit (April 2013; Issue #57, p.14), Mr. Simon A. Abou Jaoude was mistakenly captioned as Prof. Mohamad Sawan. We apologize for this error.

Mass for the Repose of the Souls of Soldiers Martyred in Sidon

Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) held Holy Mass at the University Chapel on Tuesday, June 24, 2013, at noon, for the repose of the souls of soldiers who were martyred in the recent Abra, Sidon, clashes. Fr. Walid Moussa, President of NDU, was the main celebrant. The motto of the Lebanese Armed forces is „Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty,‰ and these loyal soldiers sacrificed their lives and died with honor to save their fellow citizens from certain death at the hands of a funda- mentalist militia gone rogue. May their souls rest in eternal peace. „He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.‰ (Revelation 21:4) Fr. Walid Moussa delivering his sermon.

Obituary

NDU has lost one of its leading scholars, Dr. Mansour Eid. His commitment and love for the University touched so many lives in extraordinary ways. Man- sour was the perfect example of how one person could make a difference through devotion, resolve, honesty, and professionalism. The Office of Spon- sored Research and Development (OSRD), the Editorial Board of NDU Spirit, colleagues, friends, and students mourn him and pay tribute to him. Mansour, you will be missed.

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OPINION AND CULTURE

Euro, Dollar, Yuan Uncertainties: What Does the Future of the IMS Hold? Dr. Louis HOBEIKA

The world has been living without an tors consider U.S. T- Bills as safe assets allowed it to easily finance its current International Monetary System (IMS) account deficit. Some call it „exorbitant privilege‰ or the ability to print money since August 15, 1971, when former and receive goods and services in exchange. The current situation requires U.S. president Richard Nixon suspend- countries to have faith in the U.S. dollar as the Fed prints, which weakens it. ed the convertibility of the U.S. dollar This is known as the Triffin Paradox. into gold; therefore, ending the Bret- ton Woods system. Since that date, Economic Foundations for the Multi-Polar System the IMS has lived under the reign of A currency cannot have the reserve quality if it is not based on a strong economy the dollar given that the U.S. economy with a solid potential. The tables below show selected and relevant „Economic remains the largest and most dynam- and Financial Data‰ given and computed by international organizations such ic. The last decade was harsh to the as the World Bank and the IMF for 2011, 2012 (actual), and 2013 (estimated): U.S., as in 2008 it entered its deepest recession since 1929. „The Great Re- U.S.A. 2011 2012 2013 cession‰ weakened the U.S. economy Real GDP Growth 1.8% 2.2% 1.9% and its currency, and opened the door Current Account Balance (% of GDP) -3.1 -3.1 -2.9 for a multi-polar IMS, which will be based on the dollar, the euro, and the Budget Balance (% of GDP) -9.0 -7.5 -6.0 yuan given that the combined GDP of Gross Public Debt (%of GDP) 102.8 106.7 110.7 the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the U.S.A., and China is 60 EMU percent of global. Real GDP Growth 1.4% -0.6% -0.3% Conditions for an International Current Account Balance (% of GDP) 0.1 0.9 1.4 Currency Budget Balance (% of GDP) -4.0 -3.3 -2.6 The essential characteristics of do- Gross Public Debt (% of GDP) 89 91.2 93.2 mestic and international currencies are a medium of exchange, unit of ac- China count, and store of value. To perform an international function, a currency Real GDP Growth 9.3% 7.8% 8% must be available beyond its borders Current Account Balance (% of GDP) 2.8 2.3 2.5 and should be fully convertible. For Budget Balance (% of GDP) -1.2 -1.3 -1.0 an international currency to be con- sidered reserve, it should have a credi- Gross Public Debt (% of GDP) 25.8 22 19.4 tor status, be issued by a large econo- Sources: MF, World Bank. my with a developed financial system, and should be heavily used. Clearly, Clearly, the Chinese economy is the strongest and will soon become the larg- the U.S. dollar fulfills these criteria, est, although on per capita basis and due to the size of the population, indica- and to a lesser extent, so too does the tors remain weak. ChinaÊs growth is weakening as society shifts slowly toward euro, but this is not the case for the consumerism as western buyers face increasingly difficult economic conditions. yuan, the Chinese currency. The fact The U.S.A. and the EMU have different strengths and weaknesses, and could that central banks and private inves- be considered as competitors with similar institutional and legal foundations.

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Future of the U.S. Dollar one and two million jobs will be created. The Euro-zone The easy monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board, will gain significantly, but less. adopted since January 2001, contributed to the housing bubble; therefore, leading to the crisis and to a loss of con- Impact on the MENA fidence in the dollar. The policy was possibly due to sav- The world economy undergoes a shift in the balance of ings inflows from the G.C.C., Asia, and especially China. power as Lin and Dailami expect that by 2025, six emerg- We believe that the dollar can maintain its status as the ing economies (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Ko- prime reserve currency if the U.S. can stabilize its current rea, and Russia) will collectively account for half of global account deficit around 3 percent of GDP along with a low growth. The MENA region still relies heavily on oil, which budget deficit and a higher savings rate. The U.S. financial is denominated in the U.S. dollar. The region favors and policy should change toward a strong and stable dollar, benefits from a strong dollar policy, which will improve the which attracts investment and promotes growth. quality of life for all. It is also safer for the MENA to have over time an IMS based on three reserve currencies to di- Future of the Euro versify choices and lower risk. The MENA should deepen The crisis in the Euro-zone is severe but Europeans are suc- its relationship with Europe and China in order to prepare ceeding in getting their act together. If austerity measures for the Multi-polar System whenever it happens. continue, however, voters are likely to revolt and extrem- ists could take over. Financial discipline and the imple- Sources mentation of the Maastricht criteria are needed but not at 1. C. Fred Bergsten and Joseph E. Gagnon. „Time for a the expense of social and political stability. The Euro-zone Fight back in the Currency Wars‰. PIIE. 2012. is heterogeneous but can improve outcomes by increasing 2. Justin Yifu Lin and Mansoor Dailami. „The Coming the common central budget, so transfers happen easily in Multi-polar World Economy: Is the Developed World times of crisis. The Euro-zone should shift slowly into an Prepared?‰. The International Economy. Summer 2011. Optimum Currency Area as defined by Robert Mundell. pp. 30-31. The euro, therefore, could improve its chances of becom- 3. Lanchard. Olivier, David Romer, Michael Spence and Jo- ing a real competitor to the dollar as a reserve currency. seph Stiglitz. In the Wake of the Crisis. MIT Press. 2012. 4. Hale. David and Lyric Hughes Hale. WhatÊs Next?: Un- Future of the Yuan conventional Wisdom on the Future of the World Econ- China has demonstrated impressive growth in both output omy. Yale. 2011. and exports. China is intervening in markets to prevent an appreciation of the renminbi (Chinese yuan) against the dollar. It looks as if Chinese leaders are not eager to transform the currency from a local or regional currency to an international reserve. ChinaÊs lack of open, deep, and broad financial markets means that its currency cannot as- sume the role of a reserve. When that countryÊs leadership aims for such a role, it should float the currency along with full convertibility, which will raise its exchange value and lower exports. Is China ready for that transformation? No indication yet. Future of the IMS Quantitative easing is leading to currency competition among those adopting it. Left unchecked, it could lead to a crisis of instability. The IMF should play a crucial co- ordinating role among central banks and put into action surveillance of markets to avoid conflicts. The dollar will remain the most important reserve currency with a sec- ondary but growing role for the euro. The yuan is not a competitor yet. Bergsten and Gagnon estimate that if cur- rency intervention ceases, the U.S. trade deficit would de- cline by US$ 150 billion or 1 to 2 percent of GDP. Between

79 OPINION AND CULTURE

Autism: Genetic or Environmental? Patil KALENDERIAN, Biology Major, FNAS (Supervised by Dr. Esther Ghanem, Ph.D.)

Autism is a neurological-developmental disorder that now increase year after year. These findings could eventually affects 15 out of every 10,000 children. It is part of a clus- lead to early diagnostic tests for autism and new forms of ter of conditions called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), treatment, based on counteracting the fundamental errors which fall under a broader umbrella termed Pervasive De- in a patient's genetic code. velopmental Disorders (PDDs). Although autism can affect children of any race and ethnicity, boys are four times more Why is it so hard for scientists to pinpoint the exact likely to develop autism than girls are. causes of autism? Symptoms range from mild to severe. Most children with Firstly, autism is a multi-factorial, polygenic disorder autism ÂsufferÊ in these three predominant areas in which (Chaste and Leboyer). It is very much affected by environ- they demonstrate: Verbal and non-verbal communication mental factors, which strike an individual at different and difficulties, lack of social interaction, and a series of repeti- unpredictable times. For instance, a mutation may take tive behaviors. place before gametogeneis, or during gametogenesis, or To date, major causes of autism are still unknown, but during conception or fetal development. Such mutations strong evidence suggests that it is genetically triggered by environmental factors. This disorder is often seen in identi- cal twins, which highly supports its genetic component. In the case of fraternal or dizygotic twins, chances for both twins to develop autism do not exceed 10 percent. In a major breakthrough in the field of ASDs, scientists have discovered the first significant link between autism and DNA in a study that could revolutionize the understanding of this disturbing behavioral disorder, which continues to

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once exposed to different environmental factors, such as For instance, the corpus callosum, the bridge linking the pesticides, metals, persistent pollutants, viruses, bacteria, right hemisphere to the left, is wider, the amyglada re- etc., can trigger the generation of new spontaneous mu- sponsible for emotions and social behavior, and the cer- tations that might be passed on from one generation to ebellum for motor activity, balance and coordination, are the next. disproportionate in size and abnormal in function (Sokol Secondly, autism is highly related to many other complex and Edwards-Brown, 2004). disorders, such as Fragile X Syndrome and Down Syndrome Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for autism. Cer- (DS), which makes it harder for researchers to discern the tain treatments, however, can enhance the learning and roots of this disorder. Finally yet importantly, the size of a mutation or the num- speech skills in autistic people, including behavioral thera- ber of mutations is not that significant, considering the pies, occupational therapies, physical therapies, and sen- fact that countless mutations in our bodies occur on a daily sory integration therapies. basis. It is the location of the mutation, however, that is of Interestingly, until today there exists a raging controversy major importance. Mutations responsible for autism have among scientists on whether the combined vaccination been located in different chromosomes, including chromo- against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) provokes the somes 2, 7, and 22 (Bayou et al., ; Liang et al., 2009; Lo- early appearance of autism in children (Hilton et al., 2007; Castro et al., 2009). Miller and Reynolds, 2009). Imaging studies have revealed that that the autistic brain Therefore, do not turn your backs on people with autism. is completely different in structure than a normal brain. An Remember: „NOT being able to speak is NOT the same as autistic brain has too many nerve fibers that are not func- NOT having anything to say!‰ tioning properly to facilitate communication between the various parts of the brain. Scientists think that all of this References: extra circuitry may affect brain size (Wallace and Treffert, Bayou, N., Belhadj, A., Daoud, H., Briault, S., Helayem, M.B., 2004). Although autistic children are born with normal brains, they undergo a period of rapid growth from ages 6 Chaabouni, H., and M'Rad, R. Exploring the 7p22.1 chromo- -14 months, so by the age of about four, their brains tend some as a candidate region for autism. Journal of biomedicine to be unusually large for their age with certain irregulari- & biotechnology 2010, 423894. ties in the brain structure. Chaste, P., and Leboyer, M. Autism risk factors: genes, en- vironment, and gene-environment interactions. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience 14, 281-292. Hilton, S., Hunt, K., and Petticrew, M. (2007). MMR: margin- alised, misrepresented and rejected? Autism: a focus group study. Archives of disease in childhood 92, 322-327. Liang, J.S., Shimojima, K., Ohno, K., Sugiura, C., Une, Y., Ohno, K., and Yamamoto, T. (2009). A newly recognised mi- crodeletion syndrome of 2p15-16.1 manifesting moderate developmental delay, autistic behaviour, short stature, micro- cephaly, and dysmorphic features: a new patient with 3.2 Mb deletion. Journal of medical genetics 46, 645-647. Lo-Castro, A., Galasso, C., Cerminara, C., El-Malhany, N., Benedetti, S., Nardone, A.M., and Curatolo, P. (2009). As- sociation of syndromic mental retardation and autism with 22q11.2 duplication. Neuropediatrics 40, 137-140. Miller, L., and Reynolds, J. (2009). Autism and vaccination-the current evidence. J Spec Pediatr Nurs 14, 166-172. Sokol, D.K., and Edwards-Brown, M. (2004). Neuroimaging in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). J Neuroimaging 14, 8-15. Wallace, G.L., and Treffert, D.A. (2004). Head size and autism. Lancet 363, 1003-1004.

81 OPINIONOPINION ANDAND CULTURECULTURE

Women Are Not “Housewives” ItÊs time to end Sexist Ads Hasmig ‘Jasmine’ BOYADJIAN

Women should not be labeled as „housewives,‰ they are Maria Bou Zeid, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at homemakers, business people, mothers but not „house- Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), says, „The prob- wives‰ (the word itself is misleading)! lem is not how [the media] portray women; the problem Advertisers are aware of the fact that they abuse women is how women perceive images. How can we make a so- in advertisements, yet they demonstrate an inexplicable cial change? First, we shouldnÊt start the change with the drive to stereotype women in all ads. Lebanon recently advertising sector; we need to start somewhere else. In celebrated International WomenÊs Day 2013 to honor the Sociology, there are two ways to make changes: through achievements of women in the political, social, and eco- either education or drafting new legislation. If both edu- nomic spheres. The event witnessed many subject-related cation and legislation are combined, we will have much conferences, special broadcasts on TV/radio, and even better results.‰ tweets from men and women, expressing their gratitude Advertising executives, who are mostly men, often target to Lebanese women; however, immediately after the „an- both genders on special occasions to entice them to visit nual‰ tribute, the media again began showcasing stereo- a certain store and boost sales. According to Melhem Re- typical ads against women. chdan, an Advertising Professional, „Big electronic stores

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mainly focus on portraying women as housewives in their dan, advertisers, a.k.a. consultants, can always influence ads.‰ the decision-making process by providing their clients with During the weeks leading to MotherÊs Day, electronic rationales and insights. brands usually promote products such as kitchen applianc- Bou Zeid has already begun the practice of building a con- es, vacuum cleaners, and jewelry but barely advertise video scious generation of advertisers by teaching students at games, laptops, tablets, etc. „A personÊs gift purchasing NDU that they need to be sellers of dreams and not only power could have a limit of two hundred dollars; thus, it is sellers. Educating future leaders can be of great value, yet actually more price-related. Retailers benefit from the op- these efforts need to be implemented before a change can portunity of people entering their shops to purchase any be perceived. item during that same period.‰ Ajami proposes effective lobbying and women activism Rechdan believes, nevertheless, that it is the work of an in an effort to raise their voice and make changes in the advertising agency to devise a creative concept. He gives Lebanese perspectives. To reduce the use of stereotypes as a prime example the Exotica campaign for MotherÊs Day in ads, Robehmed, suggests that the feminine activists 2013, which is classy and far removed from stereotyping. should organize huge campaigns just before MotherÊs Day, „Stereotyping is considered a shortcut by using terms like hoping that advertisers would think of more out-of-the- Âall women are housewives,Ê Âall blondes are«Ê it facilitates communication, yet in the process, itÊs not accurate,‰ says box ideas when creating MotherÊs Day ads. Joseph Ajami, a Media Expert and Associate Professor at Nada Anid, the Co-founder of Women in Front, explained NDU. that lobbying along with awareness campaigns could Ajami also explains that women at one point or the other make a difference. She believes that if people change the begin to believe these stereotyped ads, because it makes reality, legislation will follow. Women in Front is an initia- their lives easier and gives them less time to think. It is tive that promotes professional women, and pushes them mainly related to the social roles of women and its his- to the frontline with the aim to change the image of wom- torical tie to social norms ever since the media and society en in the media. have been setting standards for social roles. Even the word Rita Chemaly, a Researcher and a WomenÊs Rights Activist, „housewife‰ has changed and is now known more com- says that there is a media-monitoring website called kher- monly termed as „homemaker.‰ berr, which exposes objectification of women and their „ThereÊs a tradition of fixed stereotypes, and there is a lack use as objects in order to promote brands. She listed some of desire to change, which leads to the perpetuation of the of the brands that adopted such stereotypical methods idea that women belong to a certain category or belong such as Mazda, El-Rancho, Babybotte, Tefal, Radio Liban, to a certain social role« Ads usually show that women are and currently Beirut Marathon AssociationÊs WomenÊs 10K incapable, dysfunctional, and canÊt handle two or three Challenge race, which took place on May 26, 2013. things at once,‰ Ajami says. Chemaly says, „I am angry and truly disappointed by the He adds that even a woman who works and multitasks film created by the Beirut Marathon Association for the is still, and at all times, identified as a „housewife.‰ She Women's 10K Challenge race « those who talked at the always belongs in the kitchen, preparing food, cleaning, beginning are sexist and what they said is discriminating and is not entitled to have fun. She cannot smoke a ciga- against women. I refuse totally to be a part of such an rette without fear of her man (in reference to the U.S. Vir- initiative!‰ She also adds, „People should understand that giniaÊs Cigarette ad using the slogan: „You have come a verbal abuse is refused, that stereotyping women as in- long way, baby‰). When Nadine Rohemed, a PR Executive and a working competent is refused. Stereotyping women as incapable mother of two, sees such ads, she feels offended, because of driving is not funny [but] discriminating.‰ they show that women are only good for cleaning, cook- Many women movements in Lebanon such as Nasawiya ing, and performing house chores. „Why canÊt ads portray and Women in Front are trying to make a difference in the successful working woman in Lebanon?‰ she won- the media. We, as NDU students and future advertisers, ders. As a PR executive, her evaluations concern the fact can follow their lead and shape the future of advertising that seeing these ads shows how far removed from reality in Lebanon. the advertisers really are. Special thanks to Dr. Joseph Ajami, Dr. Maria Bou Zeid, Even though clients are the decision-makers, because they Melhem Rechdan, Nadine Robehmed, Rita Chemaly, Nada are the ones who are spending the big dollars, says Rech- Anid.

83 OPINION AND CULTURE

Advertising: The Use and Abuse of the English Language Mario NAJM

George Orwell wrote in Politics and the English Language, looking „younger‰ or „glowing‰ such as a good nightÊs „The great enemy of clear language is insincerity.‰ sleep, proper hydration, a balanced diet, exercise, or may- Although Orwell was focusing on politics, he could just as be even a facelift! well have been talking about the language of advertisers. The reality would be different, however, had the ad The language used, and oftentimes abused, in the adver- stated, „Guaranteed to keep you looking younger!‰ But tising industry refers to the words and images that shadily what commercial brand would dare to make such a wide- „doublespeak‰ to try to „sell you anything.‰ sweeping claim? None. Doublespeak by definition means, „Language intended to Another favorite doublespeak combo is the use of „new distort or obscure its actual meaning. Doublespeak may and improved.‰ Whenever you come across this one, you take the form of euphemisms, unsupported generaliza- immediately assume a change for the better has taken tions, or deliberate ambiguity.‰ place. But is that really the case? Not really. „New‰ could Edward S. Herman, a political economist and media ana- simply mean that the formula of, let us say a detergent, lyst, writes in his book Beyond Hypocrisy, „What is really has changed slightly, and in many cases, if you read the important in the world of doublespeak is the ability to lie, labels carefully, the main, and sometimes toxic, ingredi- whether knowingly or unconsciously, and to get away with ents are still the same. So what is „new‰ about the same it; and the ability to use lies and choose and shape facts product? selectively, blocking out those that donÊt fit an agenda or Based on this premise, the suspicious word „improved‰ program.‰ raises more questions than it answers: What has been im- The predatory art of advertising is doublespeak personi- proved? The packaging? The size? The inclusion or exclu- fied. An advertising agency will make every effort (unscru- sion of an ingredient? What? I doubt that you will ever pulous effort, that is) to convince you · the intended prey find an honest answer. Such assuring words are usually · that its brand is somehow different or better than a used as gimmicks to boost sales (oftentimes dwindling). The English language is a versatile tool, but an extremely competing brand. Maybe thatÊs why you prefer Ariel to dangerous one in the wrong hands, especially in the hands Persil, or Pepsi to Coke. of people who know how to use it effectively to „help‰ you. Advertisers use a combination of flashy words and sexually charged images that dazzle the eyes and excite the brain. They also throw in some cleverly masked doublespeak Nutella words to get your heart racing such as „helps,‰ „new,‰ Nutella is a popular choc- „like,‰ „virtually,‰ „improved,‰ and the deadly combina- olate spread that com- tion: „new and improved.‰ At first glance, these seem- bines sugar with vegeta- ingly potent words appear to be brimming with promise, ble oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, when in fact they mean« zilch. and skim milk. Nutella Those words are intentionally used to psychologically se- recently came under fire duce you into feeling that if you buy the advertised brand/ from the U.K. consumer item, the benefits you derive will border on the miracu- watchdog Which? for making misleading health claims lous, whether itÊs buying that „dream home‰ or simply by suggesting its product was a „healthy‰ breakfast „getting rid of that pounding headache.‰ option. In fact, according to the consumer watchdog, In short, by abusing the English language to no end, ad- Nutella is anything but healthy. Which? complained that vertisers will use doublespeak to create a heroic promise to NutellaÊs advertising was misleading (based on dou- reel you in. Such baseless claims favor the use of the word blespeak communication), because it failed to state that „helps,‰ for example, which in advertising jargon means it also contained a high percentage of unhealthy sugar „in essence, or effect, although not in fact.‰ Its usage can (55%) and fat. Secondly, Nutella was accused of pro- range from „helps keep you looking younger‰ to „helps moting ads that were likely to encourage poor nutrition- keep you glowing‰ for a facial cream, but what does the al habits or an unhealthy lifestyle, especially in children. word „helps‰ in this context really mean? Nothing. If you The result? Nutella agreed to limit its „healthy‰ claim in think long and hard, many things will „help‰ keep you all future ads.

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ARTICLE IN FRENCH

SI LES LIBANAIS M’ETAIENT CONTES CHECRI GANEM ÿLe grand combattantŸ ou le héros de lÊindépendance du Liban qui faillit être nommé Haut-Commissaire de la République liba- naise en 1920. Dr. Georges LABAKI

Chécri Ganem a vécu dans une période mouvementée Paris terre d’élection des intellectuels libanais de lÊhistoire contemporraine du Moyen-Orient. Sa vie fut A cette époque, Paris était devenu le centre de ralliement tour à tour marquée par la création du Moutassarifiat du pour tous les rescapés de la persécution ottomane et pour Mont Liban, les différentes tentatives infructueuses de ré- ceux qui luttaient pour lÊémancipation du Levant. La lutte formes de lÊEmpire Ottoman, la première guerre mondi- menée par les libanais réfugiés dans la capitale française ale, lÊinstauration du Mandat Français sur le Liban et la prit la forme de comités, de sociétés, de mémoires, de pé- Syrie et la création de lÊEtat du Grand Liban. Infatigable, titions, de requêtes, de conférences dirigés en premier vers Ganem sÊengagea à fond dans les principales questions les autorités françaises. Tout dÊabord secrètes ces socié- tés travaillèrent dans la clandestinité avant de paraître au qui agitaient son époque et joua un rôle de premier plan grand jour. Comme lÊécrit, le Père Sélim Abou, la langue dans certains de ces évènements cruciaux de lÊhistoire du française était devenue la langue de combat. En effet, cÊest Moyen-Orient et dans la formation du Liban moderne. en français que le mouvement national libanais va trouver La naissance de Ganem en 1861 coïncide avec la création son expression la plus forte. Ainsi, en 1905, Najib Azouri du Moutassarifiat du Mont-Liban qui dépeça le Liban en publie à Paris le premier essai sur lÊarabisme intitulé „Le séparant le littoral, la Békaa, le Nord et le Sud du Mont- Réveil de la Nation Arabe.‰ En 1908, Paul Jouplain alias Liban. Coincés dans un territoire exangue et aux ressourc- Noujaim publie une thèse soutenue à la Sorbonne sous le es fort limitées, les habitants de la montagne libanaise titre évocateur de: „La Question du Liban‰. furent forcés de sÊexpatrier en nombre de plus en plus Un autre intellectuel libanais, khairallah khairallah connu grand pour gagner leurs vies. Ganem lui-même, devait lui pour sa défense acharnée de lÊindépendance libanaise aussi en faire lÊexpérience. Un incident quÊil racontera lui- sÊinstalle à Paris et devint rédacteur à La Revue Islamique et au Temps. Khairallah publie des ouvrages sur la Syrie et même plus tard devait brusquer ce grand départ. „JÊétais sur lÊavenir du Levant. jeune, écrit-il, et réputé comme mauvaise tête...Témoin „Paris, écrit chécri Ganem, est le carrefour du monde. Pour dÊune scène où un jeune officier Turc brutalisait un enfant les Orientaux qui vont en Amérique, en Angleterre ou en dÊune quinzaine dÊannées et dégainait, menaçant de son Allemagne, cÊest une ville où ils sÊarrêtent longuement, où sabre ce petit être, jÊeus la folie de lui arracher son arme ils reviennent souvent et où beaucoup dÊentre-eux se fix- et de la briser sur mon genou, avec un accompagnement ent. Presque toute la jeune Turquie sÊy est formée...De plus dÊépithètes dont la langue arabe est prodigue. Je dus fuir Paris fut le berceau, en somme de lÊévolution Ottomane... dans la montagne et demander refuge à des Français. Ce A la faveur des idées françaises dÊémancipation humaines, fut à Krayé où sÊélevaient des filatures lyonnaises...‰ Deux nos idées en seront imprégnées, se répandront au dehors mois plus tard, Ganem quitta la montagne libanaise pour plus facilement...‰(1) . lÊEgypte, fit un bref passage par la Tunisie où il travailla Toute cette élite intellectuelle est en recherche sur les meil- comme traducteur auprès des autorités françaises et se leurs moyens pour la solution de la question dÊOrient avec le souci de la préservation des intérêts du Liban et du Le- fixa en France. Auparavant, il avait reçu une solide édu- vant. DÊoù les hésitations, les changements dÊorientation cation francophone au Collège des Lazaristes à Antoura quÊon retrouve parfois chez la même personne y compris à une époque où la langue française avait gagné ses let- Ganem. Et comme lÊécrit Pierre Rondot: „En présence tres de noblesse au pays des Cèdres et était parlée par dÊune Europe qui est à lÊorigine de cette évolution [littérai- lÊélite libanaise de lÊépoque. Son frère Khalil Ganem ancien re], le jeune chrétien arabe« lance dans lÊOrient lÊidée na- député à lÊéphémère Parlement Ottoman lÊy avait précédé tionale. Il la propose dÊabord dans le domaine de la langue et y avait fondé une revue „La France Internationale‰. moderne et des lettres, mais aborde le domaine politique

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où il se rencontre avec les novateurs musulmans artisans tiques de Ganem se portèrent alors vers la libération de de renaissance islamique...‰ Dans ce contexte on note que lÊOrient sous lÊégide de la France. Il était aidé dans son chez les jeunes intellectuels chrétiens libanais „ coexiste approche par les solides contacts quÊil avait tissés avec les avec le désir ardent de porter un message de liberté et de autorités françaises. progrès à lÊensemble du monde arabe, le souci du destin En 1913, Chécri Ganem participe en temps que Vice-Prési- de leur petite patrie déjà si avancée dans lÊordre culturel et dent au Congrès Arabe de Paris. Charles Debbas en était le politique. LÊactivité des sociétés secrètes organisées en vue Secrétaire Général. Le Congrès qui rassemblait des Chré- de soulever le joug turc montre lÊimbrication , parfois dans tiens et des Musulmans réclamaient lÊoctroi aux arabes de le même homme des sentiments encore mal différenciés, lÊEmpire Ottoman leurs droits politiques, la réforme des recouverts et conciliés par lÊurgence de la lutte contre le institutions de lÊEmpire et la reconnaissance de lÊArabe tyran.‰(2) comme langue officielle. Chécri Ganem pouvait écrire à ce propos dans sa pièce de théâtre Antar des vers annon- L’option Ottomane (1908-1912) ciateurs de la révolte qui couvaient contre les Ottomans: Ainsi, en 1908, au Lendemain de la Révolution des Jeunes „ ...Rien nÊempêche un peuple en marche, Turcs, Chécri Ganem forma avec deux autres libanais, Al- Il monte! Je le vois monter de marche en marche, fred Sursock et Najb Trad et le syrien Georges Samné „La Du Levant au Couchant, dans un tel flamboiement, Ligue Nationale Ottomane‰ dont le but était la réforme Que lÊastre dÊor pâlit au sein du firmament... de lÊEmpire Ottoman, sa décentralisation, et le rétab- ...Vers un royaume qui se fonde , lissement des libertés publiques à travers le respect de la Et dont lÊéclat bientôt éblouira le monde...‰(5) Constitution. Il résumait de la sorte sa pensée: „Faire de En 1917, Chécri Ganem fonda le Comité Central Syrien cette poussière de peuples dont est composé lÊEmpire un dont il assuma la présidence pendant plusieurs années. seul peuple, fondre les races en une seule, respecter les LÊarticle premier du statut du Comité annonçait clairement religions diverses, les cultes innombrables tout en les ré- la couleur politique adoptée à savoir „la libération de la gentant, changer, du jour au lendemain, la voix, le geste Syrie et son accession à lÊindépendance, sous lÊégide de la et jusquÊà lÊâme de chaque fraction de ses fractions, les France et avec son aide et sa garantie, par un régime fé- déshabiller de tourner à tout instant leurs regards vers dératif dÊautonomie provinciale, laissant ainsi aux diverses lÊEurope et barrer la route à lÊambition de celle-ci, et tout régions (Liban – qui bénéficie déjà dÊun régime autonome, cela avec une branche dÊolivier à la main.‰(3) Palestine,...) leur caractère propre et le libre développe- Au cours de la même année (en 1908) Chécri Ganem ment de leurs légitimes aspirations‰. fonda la Revue „Correspondance dÊOrient‰ qui devint la De quelle Syrie sÊagit-il? tribune dÊoù il proférait de sa plume prolixe ses idées poli- Chécri Ganem pense à une Syrie qui engloberait pratique- tiques. Le but affiché de la publication était de propager ment tout le Croissant Fertile. „La Syrie, affirme-t-il, est les idéaux dÊégalité et de fraternité véhiculés par la culture formée dÊune longue côte montagneuse dans son plus française et le rapprochement de lÊOrient et de lÊOccident. Ganem devait très rapidement se rendre à lÊévidence: les grand parcours et relativement peu profonde dans son membres du Comité Union et Progrès‰ -parti politique issu centre quÊenserre le désert. Sa profondeur sÊaccroît à par- des Jeunes Turcs- appliquèrent un régime centralisé à out- tir de Caiffa, en tirant une ligne presque droite en arrière, rance allant même jusquÊà interdire aux députés arabes de il y a le fertile Hauran et, un peu plus au nord, Damas. prier dans leur langue. „Il faut avouer, écrit Chécri Ganem Cette profondeur devient immense derrière la ligne côtière dans Correspondance dÊOrient que nos amis les Turcs veu- jalonnée par Tripoli, Tartous, Lattaquieh et Alexandrette. lent bien être constitutionnels, mais dans la mesure seule- CÊest alors Homs, Hama, Alep et plus avant les plaines de ment que leur permet leur caractère dominateur dÊanciens Palmyre, de Deir-el-Zor, Ourfa, Mossoul et la Merveilleuse conquérants. Ils ne peuvent oublier quÊils le furent. Et ils Mésopotamie, grenier du monde qui trouve en elle son continuent à se croire tels. Ils ne veulent pas comprendre déversoir naturel dans le Golfe Persique qui est le lot de (6) que du moment quÊils ont institué un gouvernement con- lÊAngleterre.‰ stitutionnel avec un régime parlementaire, ils ont donné Mais Ganem met en garde clairement que sÊil désire faire le droit absolu à chaque race de sÊen prévaloir et dÊexiger une grande patrie syrienne, il voudrait assurer au Liban lÊégalité légale dont je parlais dans le Temps‰(4) “la liberté dans la dignité”.(7) Au plan politique Chécri Ganem jouissait de solides entrées Le Comité Central Syrien auprès des autorités françaises. Il faut dire quÊà lÊépoque Après avoir été déçu de la possibilité de réforme de lÊEmpire la question dÊOrient battait son plein et Ganem joua un Ottoman, Chécri Ganem changea de vision politique vers rôle de premier plan dans les bouleversements qui allaient le début de la première guerre mondiale. Les faveurs poli- sÊopérer à la faveur de la première guerre mondiale.

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LÊinfluence de ce Comité sÊétendit dans les divers pays et Fleurs (1904) il évoque des thèmes puisés de la diaspora libanaise comme lÊEgypte, lÊAmérique du dans la lumière dÊOrient et dans la vie person- Nord, lÊAmérique du Sud et lÊAFrique Occidentale. Khai- nelle de lÊauteur dans son pays natal. Toute- rallah Khairallah, écrit à ce propos: „De New York, de Sao fois, le grand succès de Ganem est sa pièce de Paolo, de Buenos Aires, du Caire, comme de tous les coins théâtre Antar. Ecrite à Compiègne, Antar fut du Liban tout convergeait vers Paris, et Chécri Ganem se lue par Pierre Loti qui sÊenthousiasma pour la trouvait placé à la tête de ce magnifique mouvement, qui pièce et en parla au célèbre Antoine qui ve- groupait lÊélite intellectuelle libanaise, en vue dÊaffranchir nait dÊêtre nommé directeur du théâtre de lÊOdéon. Antar cet amas de rochers, qui, des bords de la Méditerranée fut jouée au Théâtre de lÊOdéon en 1910 avant dÊêtre re- et sous les rayons courroucés du soleil oriental, montent prise à lÊOpéra de Paris en 1921. Cette pièce connut un insolemment à lÊassaut du ciel...‰(8) grand succès et peut-être considérée comme la première Contestée par dÊautres Comités libanais aux programmes grande manifestation de la littérature libanaise de langue différents Chécri se défend de sa bonne foi et de son dé- française. sire de construire un Orient débarrassé du confessionnal- La facette la plus mystérieuse de Chékri Ganem concerne isme et du sous-développement sous lÊégide de la France. sa vie privée. Il épouse Anaïs Couturier le 14 décembre A tous ceux qui critiquèrent ses choix politiques, il se de- 1894 à la mairie du 17e arrondissement de Paris. On sait mande „sÊil nous est permis (en tant quÊOrientaux)– ....de peu de chose des circonstances de leur rencontre si ce refaire à notre gré- comme quelques uns de nos jeunes nÊest quÊen 1893, Anaïs vit chez sa mère à Paris, 31, rue sÊen paient la fantaisie- la carte de lÊAsie et avec elle, celle Fortuny. Dans la même rue résident Sarah Bernhardt, Ed- de la Syrie, dÊélargir ou de rétrécir telles ou telles frontières, mond Rostand et la Belle Otero. Cette proximité pourrait disposer, contrairement à nos principes mêmes, de telles être à lÊorigine des relations nouées entre Anaïs et le mi- ou telles populations.?‰(9) lieu artistique parisien ainsi quÊà lÊorigine de sa rencontre avec Ganem. Le soutien de l’indépendance Libanaise Les Ganems sÊétablissent à Machemont dans la villa ÿEl- Dès 1920, Chécri commença à prendre partie pour liottŸ entre 1894 et 1897. LÊauteur y entame en 1895 lÊindépendance totale du Liban sous lÊégide de la France. lÊécriture de Antar. La vie à Machemont que Maximin Roll Il participa au Congrès de Versailles auprès du Patriarche décrit comme ÿun délicieux petit village («) devenu lÊété Maronite quÊil mit en contact avec les autorités françaises une cité théâtraleŸ est idyllique. Ganem et son épouse de lÊépoque. En outre, Ganem quitta en 1921 le Comité comptent y finir leurs jours, comme lÊatteste lÊachat de la Central Syrien. Très vite, Chécri Ganem finit par se rendre concession au cimetière où une pierre tombale porte leur à lÊévidence. Trop de discordes et de haines ont séparé les nom : Ganem Couturier. Le couple emménagera en 1927 habitants dÊOrient au cours des siècles. Le fédéralisme ne à Antibes où Chékri fait construire sa villa nommée La Li- tient plus et pourrait être réalisé que dans un avenir loin- banaise. tain. „La Syrie, écrit-il dans la préface du livre de Georges Chékri Ganem reçut la Légion dÊhonneur à lÊâge de 68 Samné du même titre, étant donné ses divisions religieuses ans. Il rendit lÊâme, paralysé par une attaque, la nuit actuelles et lÊétat dÊesprit de ses populations, héritages de même. LÊacte de décès porte plusieurs siècles de tyranie, ne peut quÊêtre formée en trois la mention suivante : ÿLe 2 parties ou quatre si la Palestine ne doit pas en rester dis- mai 1929 à vingt-trois heures jointe‰ sous un régime démocratique et républicain.(10) trente, est décédé à Antibes, Le rôle de Ganem fut éclipsé après 1924. Il faut dire quÊà villa La Libanaise, Chékri temps nouveaux hommes nouveaux. Malade, il se retira à Ganem, homme de lettres, Antibes ou il rendit lÊâme la nuit du 2 mai 1929 dans sa époux de Marie Anaïs Cou- villa la Libanaise à Antibes (elle appartient aujourdÊhui au turier, commandant de la chanteur Johnny Halliday) quÊil fit construire sur les restes Légion dÊhonneur, né à Bey- dÊune colonie phénicienne. routh« le quatorze septem- Il faut signaler que la carrière politique de Ghanem se dou- bre 1861, fils de Ibrahim.Ÿ ble dÊune importante carrière littéraire. En effet, Chécri La vie de Chécri Ganem est Ganem peur être considéré comme le père de la littéra- dÊune étonnante actualité. ture libanaise dÊexpression française. Ses écrits littéraires Ce grand patriote dut sÊexiler se distinguèrent par leur cachet oriental. Ainsi, son roman de son pays natal à cause de Daad (1908) est une description du Beyrouth du début la persécution dont il a été du siècle avec ses différentes communités qui coexistaient victime. Etabli à Paris comme sans trop se mêler. Quant à son recueil de poésie Ronces beaucoup de patriotes liba-

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nais, lÊavenir de son pays le hantait. Sa longue démarche politique qui peut aujourdÊhui nous paraître contradictoire tous ces efforts au service du Patriarche car la question de était celle dÊun patriote à la recherche des meilleurs moy- lÊindépendance libanaise nÊétait pas acquise. ens pour la sauvegarde de son pays dans un contexte in- AujourdÊhui la question dÊOrient et le sort des minorités ternational en lÊoccurrence européen en pleine évolution est de nouveau soulevé. Chécri Ganem avait pensé avoir et en changement permanent. La fin de sa vie est sembla- trouvé la solution: une grande Syrie placée sous lÊégide ble à celle de beaucoup de ses compatriotes qui ne purent de la France garante des droits de chacun dans un cadre regagner leur terre natale et finirent leur vie sous dÊautres de gouvernement démocratique et libre. Si cette solution cieux. Dans une lettre adressée au poète Charles Corm qui nÊest plus de mise le spectre Ottoman que Ganem et son sur les pages de La Revue Phénicienne lÊinvitait à regag- frère Chécri avait combattu de toutes ses forces revient ner le Liban pour contribuer à lʯuvre de redressement dans un retour cyclique de lÊhistoire. Il appartiendra aux national, Chécri Ganem écrit: “Je ne crois pas qu’il me minorités dÊOrient de conclure de nouvelles alliance pour sera donné de le revoir [le Liban] avant que mes yeux garantir leur avenir. Des personnages de lÊallure de Chécri se ferment à vie. Peut-être vaut-il mieux ainsi. Son sou- Ganem pourraient leur servir dÊexemple. venir en moi reste de la sorte intact et, par les yeux de En outre, la lettre quÊil adressa à Charles Corm est une l’esprit, je le vois tel qu’il était...Vous ne me parlez que leçon pour tout immigré libanais. Quel que soit le degré de de Paris et de mes amis qui y résident et en vous lisant, réussite que vous réaliserez à lÊétranger vous resterez des surtout après vous avoir lu, c’est au Liban aux vieux étrangers«Et on vous le fera savoir au moment opportun. amis de là-bas que j’ai pensé. Enfin, en cherchant désespérément la Villa ÿLa Liba- L’imagination, elle, ne s’embarrasse pas de la dis- naiseŸ construite par Chécri Ganem je découvris quÊelle tance, des difficultés morales et matérielles dont nous est aujourdÊhui la propriété du célèbre chanteur français sommes les esclaves..Et, c’est ainsi qui j’y vais. Ma pen- Johnny Halliday. sée m’y transpose sans fatigue et sans frais. Le retour, Dernier détail de cet attachement de Ganem, il raconte évidemment, en est plus dur, plus pénible. Quant la pen- dans un article ses émotions quand il rencontra le Patri- sée revient à son gite, son flot d’amertume nous monte arche Hoyek en visite à Paris en 1905. Ganem vint à sa du coeur et que de regrets nous assaillent...Alors, on rencontre et dès quÊil le vit il fondit en larmes comme un fait de sages et prudentes réflexions, on pense aux dé- enfant. ceptions, à tous ceux qui, depuis le départ, ont disparu Il sÊagit de la tristesse éternelle des sources. et qui, pour nous, sont toujours vivants et jeunes et l’on Dr. Georges Labaki se dit: pourquoi s’exposer à revoir des lieux vides ou Un des derniers humanistes si changés, des moeurs et des habitudes de vie diffé- rentes de ce qu’elles étaient, où on risque de se sentir Bibliographie: des étrangers. Et l’on reste et l’on mord- comme on dit Les références sont tirées principalement du recueil des oeu- vres de Chécri Ganem publiées sous la direction de Georges en arabe- sur sa blessure.”(11) Labaki aux éditions An-Nahar dans la collection Patrimoine Leçons à tirer de la vie de Chécri Ganem en 1994. Cette édition groupe en deux volumes,le premier est intitulé Ce grand héros libanais est un exemple pour nous à un Ecrits Politiques et le second Ecrits Littéraires. moment ou le Liban et spécialement les chrétiens vivent (1) Chécri Ganem, Correspondance dÊOrient, Paris, 1908, aux milieux de grandes turbulences politiques forts me- no.3, p.75. naçantes. Tout dÊabord il affronta des défis bien plus (2) Pierre Rondot, Les Chrétiens dÊOrient, Paris, Cahiers de graves à savoir lÊempire Ottoman dans toute sa puissance lÊAfrique et dÊAsie, 1955, p. 111 et 121. vieille de 4 siècles. Il travailla avec son frère Khalil ancien (3) La Correspondance dÊOrient, Paris, no.8, 15 juin, 1909, député au Parlement Ottoman pour se débarrasser de p.231). ces derniers. Ensuite, il excella dans son travail. Il devint si (4) La Correspondance dÊOrient, Paris, 1910, 15 juin. puissant et si instrumental dans la politique française au (5) Chécri Ganem, Antar, Paris, 1910, p.14. Moyen-Orient quÊil pouvait rencontrer le Ministre français (6) Correspondance dÊOrient, Paris, 1918, no.193, p.8. (7) Correspondance dÊOrient, Paris, 1918, no.170. des affaires étrangères sans rendez-vous comme on le dit (8) Khairallah, Khairallah, La Revue du Liban, Paris, no.10, juin chez nous au Liban. 1929, p.4. De plus, il mis toutes relations au service du Liban. Peu (9) Correspondance dÊOrient, Paris, 1918, no. 170. de gens savent par exemple que le Patriarche Maronite (10) Préface de lÊouvrage du Docteur Georges Samné intitulé Elias Hoyek descendit chez lui dans son domicile à Denfert „La Syrie‰, in Chécri Ganem, Les Ecrits Politiques, Beyrouth, Rocherot à Paris lors de son voyage en France pour par- 1994, Dar-An-Nahar, p. 233). ticiper à la conférence de la Paix à Versailles. Ganem mis (11) La Revue du Liban, Paris, 1929, no. 10.

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